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https://archive.org/details/shortsketchoflifOOpick 


. 

A SHORT  SKETCH 

OF  THE 

LIFE  AND  CHARACTER 

OF 

Matthew  Thompson  Scott, 

OF  BLOOMINGTON,  ILLINOIS. 

PREPARED  AS 

A MEMORIAL  FOR  HIS  CHILDREN, 

AND  OTHER  YOUNG  RELATIVES  AND  NEAR  FRIENDS, 

-BY- 

MAJOR  GEORGE  B.  PICKETT. 

INCLUDING  BRIEF  MEMORIAL  PAPERS  FROM  THE  THIRD  VOLUME  OF 
“THE  SCOTCH  IRISH  IN  AMERICA,’’ 

WRITTEN  BY 

Hon.  a.  E.  STEVENSON, 

AND 

Rev.  W.  L.  GREEN,  D.  D. 

Bloomington,  111.: 

THE  BULLETIN  PRINTING  COMPANY. 

189I. 


B 

S ^t30p 

I 


c*o 


“He  joined 

Each  offiqe  of  the  social  hour 

To  NOBLE  MANNERS,  AS  THE  FLOWER 
And  NATIVE  GROWTH  OF  NOBLE  MIND; 

And  thus  he  bore  without  abuse 
The  grand  old  name  of  Gentleman.’ 


15 

q3 


(to 


cy" 


PREFACE. 


These  pages  have  been  compiled  and  printed  for  private  distribution  among 
the  friends  of  Mr.  Scott,  and  especially  for  his  children,  that  hereafter  they  may 
know  what  manner  of  man  their  father  was,  and  how  he  was  esteemed  in  his  life- 
time by  those  who  knew  him.  I may  claim  some  fitness  to  write  this  introductory 
note.  I knew  him  for  twenty  years.  I took  to  him  from  the  first.  Our  friendship 
soon  became  deep,  constant,  confidential,  and  it  grew  in  strength  to  the  last.  Out- 
side of  his  own  immediate  family,  there  was  no  one,  perhaps,  who  enjoyed  so  close 
and  affectionate  an  intimacy  with  him  as  myself.  This  is  said,  that  it  may  be 
understood  that  my  estimate  of  him  is  based  upon  thorough  knowledge  of  the  man 
as  he  was.  Matthew  T.  Scott  was  well-descended,  and  well-bred.  Such  a man  is 
not  the  product  of  a single  generation.  His  sires  were  gentlemen.  Valliant  blood 
was  in  his  veins.  His  grandfather  was  an  officer  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  born 
in  an  ample,  and  a religious  home.  His  father  was  a man  of  the  highest  char- 
acter and  standing.  The  qualities  that  were  in  his  blood;  the  traditions  of  his 
family;  the  influences  that  came  in  upon  his  early  years,  all  helped  to  make  him 
what  he  was,  a high-souled,  large-minded,  noble-hearted,  Christian  gentleman. 

He  had  a sturdy,  stalwart,  powerful  physical  frame,  and  was  a man  of  great 
bodily  strength  and  agility  in  his  early  days.  He  had  a very  vigorous,  and  well- 
disciplined  mind.  He  was  a close  observer  of  men  and  things;  an  acute  thinker; 
alert,  shrewd,  discriminating,  not  easily  deceived,  quickly  piercing  to  the  core  of 
the  matter,  and  discerning  between  the  genuine  and  the  spurious,  the  true  and  the 
false.  He  was  a man  of  large  intelligence,  and  highly  interesting  and  entertaining 
to  those  who  enjoyed  an  intimacy  with  him. 

As  touching  his  moral  qualities,  he  was  strong,  bold,  steadfast  in  every  good 
sense  of  the  words.  A more  fearless  man  it  would  not  be  easy  to  find.  A gentler, 
kinder,  more  considerate  and  affectionate  man  it  would  be  equally  hard  to  find. 
Like  all  such  men,  in  his  affections  and  antipathies  alike,  he  was  intense  and  endur- 
ing. Whatever,  or  whomsoever  he  loved,  he  loved  with  the  whole  strength  of  his 
powerful  nature,  and  his  loyalty  would  stand  a tremendous  strain.  His  hatreds 
were  according  to  the  same  rule.  His  self-sacrificing  devotion  to  his  friends  was 
remarkable.  I have  never  known  any  man  who  would  so  quickly  and  cheerfully 
put  himself  out,  sacrifice  his  own  ease,  convenience  and  self-interest,  to  oblige  a 
friend,  as  would  this  man.  In  my  own  experience,  I have  had  illustration  of  this  in 
more  than  one  instance,  which  makes  his  memory  peculiarly  dear  to  me  Particu- 
larly, had  he  a very  uncommon  respect  to  woman.  There  was  a high-bred  chivalry 


PREFACE. 


in  his  nature  which  never  failed  to  show  itself  in  the  most  gracious  courtesy  and 
deference  to  even  the  humblest  of  womankind.  All  meanness,  mendacity,  cowardice 
and  cruelty,  he  despised  and  detested.  While  polite  and  obliging  to  all,  h& 
did  not  at  once  disclose  himself  to  everybody.  It  took  time  to  find  him  out,  to  get 
into  his  rich  nature,  and  know  the  man  as  he  was  within.  Those  who  knew  him 
best,  esteemed  him  most.  He  was  built  on  a large  model  in  all  good  respects,  and 
was  full  of  warm  affections,  generous  sympathies,  high  and  noble  impulses.  He 
was  a strong  staff  to  lean  upon;  a brave,  faithful,  effectual  friend  to  confide  in  to  tha 
uttermost.  Upon  the  whole,  a more  valiant,  loyal,  brotherly  soul  mine  has  never 
come  in  contact  with  in  this  world.  Now  he  has  gone  into  the  presence  of  the  Great 
Master,  Whom  he  implicitly  trusted  and  reverently  worshipped.  His  going  brought 
a great  grief  to  me.  The  world  seems  lonesome  without  him.  The  loss  and  grief 
to  his  family,  words  cannot  tell.  Into  their  sacred  sorrow,  I can  enter  in  part,  at 
least,  with  tender  and  tearful  sympathy. 

John  Walker  Dinsmore. 


My  Dear  Mrs.  Scott: — I send  you  the  enclosed,  as  a brief  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  a man  whom  I loved  as  I have  few  others.  I feel  deeply  that  it  is  not 
worthy  of  him,  but  I have  felt  somewhat  restrained  by  what  I knew  was  his  severe- 
taste  iu  such  matters.  Affectionately  Your  Friend, 

San  Jose,  California,  Sept.  14, 1891.  John  W.  Dinsmore. 


INTRODUCTION. 


41  The  just  keeps  something  of  his  glory  in  his  dust." 

When  a few  weeks  ago,  the  press  of  Bloomington  made 
known  the  fact  that  Matthew  T.  Scott  was  dangerously  ill  at 
his  home  in  that  city,  perhaps  the  first  and  strongest  im- 
pression it  produced,  was  that  of  surprise,  that  a man  of  his 
robust  constitution,  vigorous  health,  cheerful  temper  com- 
bative courage,  and  strong  will,  could  be  so  rapidly  brought 
near  the  point  of  yielding  to  the  power  of  any  disease.  But 
as  from  day  to  day  his  condition  was  announced  as  becoming 
more  serious,  anxiety  took  the  place  of  confidence,  an  anxiety 
which  soon  spread  beyond  the  large  circle  of  his  warm 
friends,  to  the  public  generally.  For  it  gradually  dawned 
upon  the  public  mind,  as  it  recalled  his  past  relations  with 
important  public  interests — his  public  spirit,  his  broad 
benevolence,  his  generous  charity,  that  the  threatened 
result  would  not  be  simply  a private  bereavement,  but  a 
public  misfortune. 

It  is  but  just  to  gratefully  acknowledge,  in  this  con- 
nection, the  kindliness  of  the  press  of  Bloomington,  of  all 
parties.  Their  notices,  both  at  this  time  and  later,  were  as 
generous  as  they  were  just;  as  grateful  to  his  family  and 
friends,  as  they  were  creditable  to  the  hearts  which  inspired 
them. 

When  the  sad,  and  to  many,  unexpected  news  spread 
through  the  city  in  the  early  morning  of  May  21,  1S9 1,  that 
this  honored  and  useful  citizen  had  indeed  passed  away,  it  is 


no  figure  of  speech  to  say  that  a feeling  of  gloom  settled  over 
the  community.  As  the  news  of  his  death  spread  through 
the  country  by  mail  and  telegraph,  letters  and  telegrams 
expressive  of  sorrow  and  sympathy,  began  to  pour  in  upon 
the  family  from  all  directions.  Many  of  these  were  from 
distant  cities  and  states,  and  from  persons  of  various  ranks 
in  life — some  whose  names  even  were  unknown  to  the 
family,  but  who  at  some  time  or  place  had  been  the  recipients 
ot  kindness  or  courtesies  from  him.  These  kindly  remem- 
brances were  deeply  appreciated  by  the  family  and  near 
friends,  who  felt  that  they  demanded  a more  prompt  response 
than  it  was  possible  at  the  time  to  make,  did  not  the  number 
of  them,  forbid  the  attempt  to  acknowledge  each  one  separ- 
ately. It  was  therefore  suggested,  that  a short  sketch  should 
be  prepared  by  some  friend,  familiar  with  his  life,  which 
should  respond  to  these  kindly  letters  and  inquiries,  and  at 
the  same  time  serve  as  a memorial  to  be  preserved  by  his 
children  and  other  young  relatives  and  friends,  to  show  the 
style  of  man  he  was,  how  he  served,  and  how  he  was 
regarded  by  his  generation. 


His  widow  and  two  daughters,  Mary  Letitia  and  Julia 
Green,  survive  him.  He  also  left  one  brother — the  eldest — 
Mr.  I saac  W.  Scott,  a gentleman  of  the  highest  character, 
who  for  many  years  was  a leading  and  successful  business 
man  in  Lexington  Kentucky,  but  who  for  some  years  past 
has  been  a resident  of  Bement  Illinois.  Three  sisters  also 
survive  him,  Mrs.  Di*.  Ethel bert  Dudley,  Mrs.  Dr.  Henry  Skill- 


man  and  Miss  Lucy  W.  Scott,  all  residents  of  Lexington 
Kentucky.  His  next  older  brother,  Dr.  John  W.  Scott,  was 
for  many  years  a successful  physician  in  New  York,  but 
returned  to  his  old  home  in  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  where 
he  died,  and  where  his  family  still  reside.  His  next  younger 
brother,  Dr.  Joseph  T.  Scott,  died  unmarried  in  the  flush  of 
young  manhood,  many  years  ago.  He  was  a man  of  fine 
promise,  and  of  a very  noble  type  ot  character.  His  youngest 
brother,  Lieut.  Col.  Wm.  T.  Scott,  was  a gallant  soldier  in 
the  late  war,  on  the  Union  side,  with  many  noble  qualities. 
He  also  died  many  years  ago,  at  his  home  in  Frankfort 
Kentucky,  where  his  widow  and  two  children  still  reside.  A 
widowed  sister,  Mrs.  Charles  Gallagher,  died  in  Texas,  in 
1886,  leaving  one  son  and  two  daughters. 


MATTHEW  T.  SCOTT. 


“ Honest,  truth-loving,  chivalrous,  those  whose  convictions  compelled  them  to 
antagonize  him,  could  love  and  honor  him,  nevertheless  ” 

Matthew  Thompson  Scott  was  born  on  February  24, 
1828,  at  Lexington  Kentucky,  which  was  then,  probably  the 
most  prominent  religious,  educational,  intellectual,  and 
political  focus  of  the  undeveloped,  but  rapidly  developing 
country,  west  ot  the  Alleghanies,  as  well  as  a focus  for 
wealth  and  refinement.  It  was  the  home  ot  the  greatest 
political  leader  ot  the  day,  Henry  Clay,  and  a center  of  the 
most  active  political  and  religious  influence.  It  was  some- 
thing at  that  day,  for  a youth  susceptible  as  was  Matthew 
Scott  to  the  good  influences  ot  such  surroundings,  to  be  so 
fortunately  placed.  He  imbibed  the  ennobling  stimulus  of 
these  environments  in  his  youth,  and  illustrated  them  in  all 
his  after  life. 

His  father,  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  Sr.,  was  one  of  three 
brothers,  who  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania,  at  an  early  day 
to  Kentucky;  all  men  of  sterling  virtues  and  force  of  char- 
acter -in  this  illustrating  the  characteristic  qualities  of  the 
revolutionary  stock  of  the  Scotch-Irish  blood  from  which 
they  were  descended.  One  of  these  brothers,  Dr.  Joseph 
Scott,  settled  at  Lexington,  where  he  was  for  many  years, 
and  until  his  death,  a leading  physician  as  well  as  a leading 
citizen.  The  other  brother,  Dr.  John  Scott,  was  the  confi- 
dential friend,  and  served  on  the  personal  staff  ot  Gen.  W.  H. 
Harrison,  afterwards  President  Harrison.  These  gentlemen 


each  named  his  oldest  son  after  the  other,  Hon.  Scott 
Har  rison,  of  Indiana,  being  the  father  of  the  present  presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  and  Dr.  Harrison  Scott,  a promi- 
nent physician  of  Illinois,  being  the  eldest  son  of  the  elder 
Harrison’s  friend. 

Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  Sr.,  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  became  connected  with  the  Northern  Bank  of 
Kentucky  at  its  incorporation,  and  for  about  thirty  years,  or 
until  his  death,  in  the  capacity  of  cashier,  or  president, 
guarded  its  interests  and  directed  its  policy.  When  it  is 
remembered  that  the  business  of  this  bank  extended  from 
New  York  to  New  Orleans,  its  transactions  embracing  a 
large  part  of  the  Ohio  Valley,  the  responsibility  of  this  trust 
can  be  understood.  And  when  it  is  added,  that  this  bank 
passed  through  several  financial  storms,  which  wrecked  the 
business  of  the  country,  and  ruined  its  industries,  without 
ever  suspending  specie  payment,  or  having  its  credit 
impaired,  or  omitting  its  regular  dividend  of  S per  cent,  the 
skill  and  fidelity  with  which  its  affairs  were  conducted  may 
be  appreciated.  The  name  of  Matthew  T.  Scott  became  a 
synonym  in  Kentucky,  for  the  highest  personal  and  com- 
mercial honor,  for  scrupulous  integrity— for  sound  judgment, 
and  for  all  that  is  admirable  in  conduct  and  in  character. 

This  little  recital  concerning  Mr.  Scott’s  father  and 
uncles  is  given,  to  show  the  stock  of  people  from  which  he 
sprang,  and  to  indicate  the  kind  of  principles  that  were  bred 
and  cultivated  in  him  in  his  father’s  house,  and  which  it  will 
be  seen  he  illustrated  in  his  own  life. 

Mr.  Scott’s  mother,  who  died  when  he  was  only  five 


years  old,  was  a woman  of  remarkable  personal  beauty,  and 
of  great  sweetness  and  strength  of  character.  She  was  the 
daughter  ot  Mr.  Isaac  Webb,  a Virginia  gentleman,  also  of 
an  old  colonial  family  of  prominence  in  that  state,  who 
came  to  Kentucky  at  an  early  date.  He  settled  near  Lex- 
ington, where  he  left  many  descendants  who  have  maintained 
the  reputation  ot  the  older  generations,  by  their  high  social 
and  business  standing.  One  of  his  sons,  Dr.  James  Webb, 
became  the  father  of  the  wife  of  President  Hayes. 

Mr.  Scott  was  prepared  for  college  in  the  schools  at  Lex- 
ington, and  was  then  sent  to  Centre  College,  at  Danville. 
Those  were  days  of  strong  sectarian  pride  and  rivalry,  and 
this  college,  then  under  the  presidency  of  Dr.  John  C.  Young, 
the  distinguished  divine  and  teacher,  was  the  educational 
pride  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  which  his  family 
belonged.  From  this  college  he  graduated  at  the  early  age 
of  18,  in  the  class  ot  1846,  with  a high  reputation  for  scholar- 
ship. 

He  was  gifted  with  a strong  constitution,  and  had  the 
strenth  and  activity  of  an  athlete.  He  was  generous  tem- 
pered, fearless  and  manly,  and  of  the  most  exuberant  spirits. 
While  singularly  free  from  all  the  small  vices  which  youths 
of  his  age  so  early  affect — never  indulging  in  liquor,  tobacco 
or  profanity — nor,  though  fond  of  games,  in  gambling  in  any 
form — he  never  affected  any  canting  superiority  to  his 
associates,  but  was  always  popular  with  them,  and  a leader 
in  their  boyish  sports. 

At  the  age  of  19  he  went  to  Ohio  to  take  charge  of  a 
large  landed  property  belonging  to  his  father,  in  which  he 


was  given  an  interest.  He  remained  here  several  years, 
when,  impressed  with  the  possibilities  ot  early  and  great 
developments  in  the  then  sparsely  settled  state  ot  Illinois  he 
invested  for  himself  and  different  members  of  his  family,  in 
a large  amount  of  government  lands,  and  at  once,  with  the 
boldness,  and  confidence,  and  resolution,  which  characterized 
all  his  business  ventures,  proceeded  to  reduce  them  as  rapidly 
as  possible  to  cultivation. 

About  this  time  he  formed  pleasant  acquaintances  with 
Judge  Davis,  Judge  Logan,  Hon.  Jesse  W.  Fell.  Mr.  Lincoln, 
that  noble  old  Roman,  Major  John  T.  Stuart,  and  many  others 
prominent  in  the  earlier  history  of  Illinois  With  some  of 
these,  acquaintance  ripened  into  friendship  of  a lifetime. 
Mr.  Lincoln  managed  several  lawsuits  for  him,  and  in  one — a 
case  of  litigation  with  Governor  Matteson — declined  any  fee, 
saying  with  characteristic  honesty,  that  he  had  not  earned 
it,  the  evidence  was  so  plain. 

The  writer  has  heard  Judge  Davis  recall  with  great 
amusement,  some  sport  witnessed  one  afternoon,  when 
business  was  dull  about  the  Danville  Land  Office,  and  some- 
body proposed  a running,  jumping  and  wrestling  match. 
The  three  Kentucky  boys,  Will,  Joe  and  Matt  Scott  were 
chosen  for  one  side.  At  the  first  round,  Matt  laid  his  man 
Hat,  Joe,  with  a run,  jump  and  whoop,  left  his  competitor 
away  behind,  and  Will,  who  was  fleet-footed  as  a hound, 
looked  over  his  shoulder,  and  whistled  at  the  champion  who 
was  trying  to  race  with  him. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  crude  justice  meted  out  in  those 
early  days,  William  Scott,  one  of  the  handsomest  and  most 


8 


popular  men  of  his  clay,  out  hunting  near  Elkhart,  rode  across 
a man’s  field,  and  was  sued  by  him  for  trespass.  The  old 
justice  who  tried  the  case  acquitted  him  on  this  charge,  no 
damage  evidently  having  been  done,  but  all  the  same,  brought 
in  a verdict  against  him  for  $2.50,  for  a harrow,  he  alleged 
one  of  Mr.  Scott’s  tenants  had  borrowed  from  the  plaintiff. 
No  appeal  was  taken  from  such  even-handed  distribution  of 
reward  and  punishment. 

Not  very  long  before  his  death,  in  reply  to  the  question 
of  his  old  friend — Mr.  Abel  Harwood,  of  Champaign,  Illinois — 
who  asked  him  how  much  ditching  and  fencing  he  had  made, 
and  how  much  land  he  had  broken  up  in  his  life,  he  answered 
after  a moment’s  reflection,  that  he  had  made  and  owned 
from  275  to  300  miles  of  hedge  fence.  That  he  had  reduced 
to  cultivation  for  himself  and  others,  as  much  as  16,000  acres 
of  prairie  land  in  Illinois  and  Iowa;  that  he  had  built  on 
these  lands  between  160  and  200  houses.  That  he  had  made 
over  250  miles  of  ditch;  by  plows,  by  horse  scrapers,  by 
ditching  machines,  by  spades.  Many  of  these  ditches  being- 
very  large,  and  made  by  oxen,  as  many  as  40  large  cattle  to  a 
team  which  drew  the  great  ditching  plow;  besides  having 
made  the  tile  drains  for  thoroughly  tiling  5,000  acres.  And 
that  single-handed,  he  had  conducted  the  largest  business 
transaction  ever  consummated  in  the  state  of  Tennessee  by 
one  man,  the  purchase  and  sale,  of  46.000  acres  of  mineral  and 
timber  lands. 

It  was  upon  the  farm  at  Clienoa,  in  1855,  that  he  made 
the  test,  and  demonstrated  the  possibility,  of  cultivating  large 
tracts  of  land  without  fences,  except  around  his  pasture  lots 


9 


to  con  tine  his  own  stock.  This  was  the  first  large  farm  in 
the  country,  ever  made  and  cultivated  in  this  way.  His 
successful  experiment  encouraged  others — who  had  been 
deterred  by  the  cost  of  fencing  in  a prairie  country— to 
follow  his  example,  and  led  to  the  rapid  settlement  and 
improvement  of  that  part  of  the  country.  The  passage  of  . 
the  “ no  fence  ” law  by  the  Illinois  legislature,  was  the  result 
of  his  testimony  before  a committee  of  that  body. 

In  1S59  Mr.  Scott  was  married  to  Miss  Julia,  daughter  of 
Rev.  Lewis  Warner  Green,  I).  I).,  then  president  of  Centre 
College,  Danville,  previously  president  of  Hampden  Sidney 
College,  Virginia,  and  ot  Transylvania  University,  Kentucky. 
Dr.  Green  was  from  an  early  colonial  family  of  Virginia, 
whose  descendants  have  ever  maintained  the  highest  social 
prominence  wherever  they  are  found;  each  generation  pro- 
ducing under  various  names,  women  noted  for  natural  refine- 
ment, mental  culture,  and  all  the  social  graces  and  virtues; 
and  men  distinguished  for  intellect,  for  high  character,  and 
public  influence  in  Virginia,  Kentucky,  or  other  states. 
Among  the  most  distinguished  of  the  latter  was  Dr.  Green.* 

* Note. — Dr.  Green  was  the  son  of  Willis  Green  and  Sarah  Reid,  Willis  Green 
was  the  son  of  Duff  Green  and  Ann  Willis,  and  the  grand  son  of  Robert  Green,  (who 
married  Eleanor  Dunn,  a Scotch  woman),  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  Shenandoah 
Valley,  Virginia,  and  one  of  the  first  vestrymen  of  St.  Mark’s  parish,  Culpepper 
county,  Virginia.  It  is  stated  by  Dr.  Philip  Slaughter,  that  there  has  been  a contin- 
uous succession  of  vestrymen  in  this  family  from  Robert,  of  1731,  who  was  a member 
of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  te  the  present  time.  Ann  Willis,  the  wife  of  Duff  Green, 
was  the  daughter  of  Mildred  Washington,  who  married,  first,  Mr.  Lewis,  second, 
Roger  Gregory,  of  King  and  Queen  county,  Virginia,  and  for  her  third  husband, 
Col.  Henry  Willis,  of  Fredricksburg.  By  her  second  husband,  Roger  Gregory,  she 
had  three  danghters,  Frances,  Mildred  and  Elizabeth,  who  married  three  brothers, 


10 


He  was  a man  of  brilliant  intellect,  of  high  and  broad  culture, 
of  unsurpassed  eloquence,  and  of  that  refined,  genial,  and 
gentle  uature,  that  makes  a man  loveable  even  to  his  own 
sex.  He  was  fitted  both  by  nature  and  culture,  for  the  high 
and  responsible  duties  to  which  he  devoted  his  life. 

Mrs.  Scott’s  mother,  Mrs.  Mary  Peachy  Green,  was  a 
lineal  descendant  of  Dr.  Thomas  Walker,  of  Castle  Hill, 
Albemarle  county,  Virginia,  and  of  Col.  Joshua  Fry,  who  was 
sent  by  the  English  Government  from  Oxford  University,  to 
be  first  professor  of  mathematics  in  William  and  Mary 
College  Virginia,  and  who  was  Washington’s  senior — 
“ Colonel  and  Commander-in-Chief,”  reads  his  majesty's 
commission — in  command  of  Virginia’s  forces  in  1754.  Dr. 
Walker  and  Col.  Fry  were  closely  associated  in  making 
sundry  and  diverse  treaties,  maps,  boundary  lines,  and 
explorations,  during  this  early  colonial  period;  all  of  which 
have  been  preserved  and  published  in  detail,  by  Hon.  William 
Cabell  Rives,  Dr.  Philip  Slaughter,  and  Dr.  R.  Channing  M. 
Page.  A son  of  Col.  Fry,  Henry,  married  (in  her  17th  year) 


Col.  Francis  Thornton,  Col.  John  Thornton,  and  Reuben  Thornton,  all  of  Spottsyl- 
vania  county,  Virginia.  By  her  third  husband,  she  had  two  children,  Col.  Lewis 
Willis,  whom  she  named  after  her  first  husband,  Lewis,  and  Ann  Willis,  who  mairied 
Duff  Green.  Mildred  Washington,  who  married  first,  Mr.  Lewis,  second,  Roger 
Gregory,  and  third,  Col.  Henry  Willis,  was  the  daughter  of  Lawrence  Washington* 
who  married  about  1680,  Mildred  Warner,  of  Gloucester  county,  Virginia.  It  was 
from  this  ancestress  Dr.  Green  received  his  middle  name,  given  him  at  his  birth,  by 
a relative  of  his  grand  mother,  Mrs.  Lewis,  of  Fredricksburg,  the  Lewis  being  for 
herself.  Lawrence  Washington  was  the  son  of  Col.  John  Washington  and  his  second 
wife,  Ann  Pope.  And  Col.  John  Washington  was  the  son  of  Col. John  Washington, 
son  of  Leonard  Washington,  who  with  his  wife  Ann,  emigrated  to  America  in  1659 
from  Warton,  county  Lancaster,  England. 


11 


Susan,  (Sukey)  second  daughter  of  Dr.  Walker,  in  1764;  and 
his  grand  son,  Joshua  Fry — son  ol  John  Fry  and  Miss 
Adams — married  Peachy,  the  youngest  child  of  Dr.  Walker, 
in  1787.  It  is  probably  no  exaggeration  to  say  of  these  two 
men— Dr.  Walker  and  Col.  Fry-  that  lor  social  position, 
wealth,  capacity,  character  and  public  services,  they  occupied 
in  the  colonial  history  of  Virginia  and  the  country,  places 
second  to  none. 

The  law  of  heredity  did  not  fail  in  the  person  of  Mrs. 
Green.  The  mingled  hereditary  gifts,  graces  and  virtues  of 
her  ancestors  descended  to  her  in  full  measure.  The  pastor 
of  her  later  years— Rev.  Dr.  Dinsmore — wrote  of  her:  “She 
was  a woman  ol  unusual  natural  endowments.  She  had  a 
stately  and  even  majestic  presence,  rare  gilts  as  a conver- 
sationalist, a strong  and  active  intellect,  great  force  and 
energy  of  character,  great  courage,  spirit,  and  ambition, 
unfalteringly  loyal  too,  to  whatever  person  or  thing  she  had  set 
her  heart  upon.  Her  mind  had  been  enriched  by  the 
education  of  schools  and  books,  by  extensive  travel  in  this 
and  other  lands,  by  life-long  association  with  the  best  circles 
of  society,  and  by  a large  acquaintance  with  distinguished 
people  in  this  country  and  in  Europe.  For  many  years  she 
was  the  wife  of  a distinguished  clergyman,  who  held  various 
high  positions  as  a pastor,  a college  president,  and  a theo- 
logical professor.  She  was  to  him  a veritable  help-meet, 
strong,  valiant,  devoted.  Through  all  her  life,  even  to  the 
last  of  it,  her  warm  interest  in  affairs,  social,  religious,  and 
public,  and  especially  her  active  sympathy  with  the  young, 
and  her  fondness  for  their  society,  continued  almost  undi- 


12 


minished.  For  many  years  she  had  been  a sincere  disciple 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Her  piety  was  in  harmony  with  her  nature, 
not  so  much  of  the  effusive  and  sentimental,  as  of  the  stalwart 
and  heroic  type.  If  called  upon  to  suffer  or  die  for  her  Lord 
she  would  not  have  hesitated  for  a moment.”* 

If  any  apology  were  necessary  for  narrating  so  much  of 
family  history,  it  is,  that  one  of  the  main  objects  in  preparing 
this  sketch  is,  that  it  shall  serve  as  a memorial  for  the 
children  of  Mr.  Scott — and  other  young  relatives — showing 
not  only  what  style  of  man  he  was,  but  who  and  what  kind 
of  people  his  and  their  ancestors  were.  In  this  fast  age,  and 
among  our  migrating  population,  where  families  become 

* Note. — Mrs.  Green  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Thomas  Walker  Fry,  of  Spring 
House,  Boyle  county,  Kentucky,  who  married  Miss  Eliza  Smith — a famous  wit  in  her 
day — sister  of  Hon.  Speed  Smith,  of  Richmond,  Kentucky.  Thomas  Walker  Fry 
was  the  son  of  Joshua  Fry,  a man  eminent  for  learning  and  probity,  whose  name 
was  a household  word  in  many  homes  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia.  It  is  related  of 
this  Joshua  Fry — the  son  of  John  Fry  and  Miss  Adams — that  he  was  caked  from 
William  and  Mary  College  at  the  age  of  19,  by  the  death  of  his  father,  who  was 
supposed  to  be  a very  rich  man.  The  estate  proved  to  be  insolvent.  The  creditors 
agreed  to  leave  the  property  in  young  Fry’s  hands,  and  to  accept  from  him  as  he 
could  pay  it,  50  cents  on  the  dollar,  in  settlement  of  all  claims.  In  a very  few  years — 
three  or  four — he  paid  them  every  one,f  ne  hundred  cents  on  every  dollar,  and  then, 
although,  by  the  laws  of  Virginia  at  that  time,  the  lands  thus  redeemed  would  have 
belonged  to  him  as  the  oldest  son,  divided  the  entire  estate,  real  and  personal,  into 
three  equal  parts,  giving  one  third  to  his  only  brother,  William,  who  died  unmarried, 
and  one-third  to  his  only  sister,  Tabitha,  who  married  Bowler  Cocke,  of  Turkey 
Island,  (on  James  River)  and  died  without  children.  The  incident  is  also  preserved 
of  him,  that  on  one  occasion — after  his  removal  from  Virginia  to  Kentucky — word 
came  to  him  of  the  financial  distress  of  an  old  friend  in  the  former  state.  He 
mounted  his  horse,  and  attended  by  his  faithful  body  servant,  Morocco,  rode  back  to 
Virginia,  extricated  his  friend  from  his  difficulties,  advancing  a large  sum  of  money 
he  never  charged  or  made  any  account  of,  and  without  any  ado,  or  telling  any  one  of 


13 


scattered  to  the  tour  winds,  this  kind  of  information 
soon  becomes  lost,  though  it  is  very  interesting  to  later 
generations  and  not  without  most  salutary  influences. 
There  is  nothing  more  contemptible  than  the  lalse  pride,  that 
assumes  the  credit  of  ancestral  virtues  without  emulating 
them,  and  demands  consideration  which  has  not  been 
personally  and  honestly  earned.  But  there  is  nothing  more 
natural  or  commendable  than  an  honest  pride  in  an  hororable 
ancestry.  It  excites  laudable  ambition.  It  sets  up  a high 
standard  ol  life  and  conduct,  and  stimulates  to  its  attain- 
ment. When  a father  shows  by  his  own  life  and  conduct, 
that  he  is  more  anxious  to  leave  to  his  children  the  inheritance 


the  transaction,  mounted  his  horse,  and  with  Morocco,  rode  back  to  Kentucky.  Mrs. 
Green,  whose  reverence  and  affection  for  her  grand  father  were  unbounded,  was 
greatly  touched  once,  at  the  manner  in  which  she  was  introduced  to  two  very  aged 
and  very  stately  ladies,  at  Richmond,  Virginia : “ This  is  the  grand  daughter  of  the 

man,  whom  these  ladies  cherish  in  their  hearts,  side  by  side  with  General  Wash- 
ington.” Mr.  Fry  and  his  wife,  Peachy  Walker,  lie  in  the  cemetery,  at  Danville, 
Kentucky,  surrounded  by  a host  of  their  descendants.  This  Joshua  Fry  was  the 
grand  son  of  Col.  Joshua  Fry,  of  William  and  Mary  College,  Virginia,  and  his  wife, 
Mary  Micou-Hill,  (a  widow  25  years  old  when  married  to  him)  the  daughter  of 
Philip  Micou,  physician  and  surgeon,  a Huguenot  exile  from  persecution  in  France. 
“ Paul  Micou,”  says  Dr.  Slaughter,  “ brought  his  wife  and  perhaps  some  of  his  elder 
children  from  France.  He  certainly  brought  his  library,  pictures  and  plate.”  The 
wife  of  Mr.  Joshua  Fry,  and  grand  mother  of  Mrs.  Green,  was  Peachy  Walker, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  Walker,  of  Castle  Hill,  Albemarle  county,  Virginia.  The 
first  wife  of  Dr.  Thomas  Walker  and  the  mother  of  his  twelve  children,  was  Mildred 
Thornton,  who  married  first  in  1798  Nicholas  Meriwether,  and  by  him  had  one 
child.  After  his  death  when  she  was  19  years  old,  Mildred  Thornton-Meriwether, 
the  widow  of  Nicholas  Meriwether,  married  Dr.  Thomas  Walker.  Mildred 
Thornton-Meriwether,  who  married  for  her  second  husband,  Dr.  Thomas  Walker, 
was  the  daughter  of  Col.  John  Thornton  and  Mildred  Gregory,  and  Mildred  Gregory, 
her  mother,  was  Mildred  Washington — sister  of  Augustine  and  John  Washington, 


14 


of  a good  name,  than  to  leave  them  lands  or  money,  he 
delivers  them  a stronger  and  more  impressive  moral  lesson, 
than  is  conveyed  by  any  formal  precept,  however  high,  or 
even  however  sacred  its  source.  And  when  this  good  name 
has  been  transmitted  as  a family  heirloom  through  gener- 
ations, it  acts  with  cumulative  force  in  proportion  to  the 
height  of  the  standand,  and  to  the  time  during  which  it  has 
been  maintained. 


and  daughter  of  Lawrence  Washington — who  had  married  for  her  first  husband, 
Mr.  Lewis,  for  her  second  husband,  17<  5,  Roger  Gregory,  of  King  and  Queen  county, 
Virginia,  and  for  her  third  husband,  Col.  Henry  Willis,  of  Fredricksburg,  so  that 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Green  were  remotely  related  by  blood.  The  second  wife  of  Dr. 
Thomas  Walker — Elizabeth  Thornton — was  the  double  first  cousin  of  his  first  wife 
their  mothers  being  sisters — Frances  Gregory  and  Mildred  Gregory — and  their 
fathers  being  brothers — Col.  Francis  Thornton  and  Col.  John  Thornton.  Rev. 
Philip  Slaughter,  D.  D , who  has  done  so  much  to  rescue  from  oblivion  the  names 
and  memoi  ies  of  churches,  families  and  persons  who  were  prominent  in  the  early 
history  of  Virginia,  tells  of  the  old  home  of  Col.  Joshua  Fry  and  his  wife,  Mary 
Micou-Hill,  the  daughter  of  Paul  Micou,  the  Huguenot  exile : "On  a beautiful 
eminence  in  the  Piedmontese  Valley,  between  the  two  streams,  Robinson  River  and 
Crooked  Run — in  old  times  the  Meander — stands  a house  hoary  with  a century’s 
mosses,  having  in  it  an  historical  room,  originally  dedicated  to  the  muses  of  music 
and  the  dance,  in  which  William  Wirt  in  his  youth  played  his  pranks  and  wrote 
comedies,  and  where  Thom»s  Jefferson  in  his  journeys  to  and  from  Washington,  in 
his  French  Landau,  refreshed  himself  with  hospitable  cheer.  This  old  mansion  was 
67  feet  long,  but  only  one  story  high,  and  still  belongs  to  a lineal  descendant  of  Col. 
Fry.  Extensive  additions  have  been  made,  but  the  ‘historical  room,’  24x19  feet, 
remains  intact  ” Col.  Fry  died  at  Will’s  Creek,  Virginia— near  the  present  city  of 
Cumberland,  Maryland — May  31,  1754,  while  on  the  march,  in  command  of  the  first 
expedition  sent  by  the  colony  of  Virginia,  to  expel  the  French  from  the  Upper 
Ohio  Valley.  The  army  attended  his  funeral,  and  on  a large  oak  tree,  which  now 
stands  as  a tomb  and  a monument  to  his  memory,  Washington  cut  the  inscription, 
which  can  be  read  to  this  day,  “ Under  this  oak  lies  the  body  of  the  good,  the  just, 
and  the  noble  Fry.” 


15 


The  child  who  has  not  this  stimulus  to  honorable 
ambition,  for  at  least  one  generation,  is  unfortunate  indeed, 
and  poor,  though  he  may  have  inherited  millions,  until  by 
his  own  life  and  conduct,  he  builds  up  an  honorable  name  for 
himself. 

But  to  return  from  this  digression.  Soon  after  his  mar- 
riage, Mr.  Scott  brought  his  young  wife  to  Chenoa,  the 
village  he  had  laid  out  a few  years  before.  Here  he  spent 
several  of  the  happiest  years  of  his  life,  actively  engaged  in 
cultivating  and  improving  his  lands,  not  only  there,  buf  in 
other  counties  of  the  state,  and  giving  the  same  faithful  and 
careful  attention,  to  the  investments  he  had  made  for  other 
members  ol  his  family.  He  and  Mrs  Scott  lived  in  mutual 
interchange  of  neighborly  kindnesses  and  courtesies  with  the 
people  of  the  village  and  surrounding  country,  entering 
cheerfully  into  all  social  and  religious  movements,  having 
for  their  object  a healthy,  moral  tone  for  the  young  and 
formative  community.  This  had  the  effect  to  attract  the 
most  desirable  class  of  settlers,  with  the  result  of  building  up 
upon  this  foundation,  a little  city,  whose  population,  for 
intelligence,  culture  and  respect  for  law — moral  and 
religious — ranks  equal  to  any  community  in  the  state.  Mr. 
Scott  would  repeat  with  great  glee,  a remark  made  to  his 
wife  by  an  old  man  to  whom  she  had  taken  some  little 
delicacy,  “Why,  I heard  you  was  a high-flyer,  and  you’re  a 
very  common  woman.” 

Almost  the  first  step  taken  by  the  young  couple,  was  to 
secure  the  organization  of  a Presbyterian  church,  for  Mr. 
Scott,  though  not  a communicant  then,  nor  for  many  years 


16 


later,  was  its  chief  supporter  and  main  reliance.  The  unpre- 
tending frame  structure  dedicated  with  so  much  courage 
and  faith,  has  since  given  place  to  a commodious  and  beauti- 
ful brick  church,  with  graceful  spire,  stained  glass  windows, 
and  frescoed  walls,  second  in  size  and  beauty  to  but  one 
Presbyterian  church  in  McLean  county.  Among  its  pastors 
such  honored  names  have  been  enrolled  as  Rev.  William  L. 
Green,  D.  I).,  who  with  his  refined  and  cultured  family, 
accompanied  by  the  lovely  household  of  Mr.  E.  D.  Churchill, 
made  a most  delightful  and  valued  addition  to  the  small 
community;  Rev.  M.  M.  Travis,  to  whose  zeal,  perseverance 
and  faithfulness  the  new  church  building  is  due,  and  more 
recently,  the  gifted  and  sainted  Rev.  Frank  S.  Rice. 

Upon  the  death  of  Dr.  Green,  Mrs.  Green  and  Miss 
Letitia — his  only  child  except  Mrs.  Scott — joined  the  little 
circle  at  Chenoa.  Mr.  Scott  now  enlarged  the  modest  cottage 
into  a residence  of  quite  spacious  dimensions,  and  com- 
menced the  practice  of  that  generous  but  unostentatious 
hospitality  which  had  distinguished  his  father’s  house,  and 
which  continued  to  make  his  home  throughout  his  lifetime, 
the  center  of  all  that  was  cordial  and  gracious  in  the  enter- 
tainment, not  only  of  his  friends  and  relatives,  but  of 
strangers  whenever  properly  introduced. 

Here  in  the  course  of  a few  years,  Miss  Letitia  was 
married  to  Mr.  Adlai  Ewing  Stevenson,  since  representative 
of  this  district  for  several  terms  in  the  National  Congress, 
and  more  recently,  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General, 
during  President  Cleveland's  administration. 

At  this  time  Mr.  Scott  was  deeply  interested  in  his 


17 


business,  and  inspired  by  the  cheering  hopes  which  the  suc- 
cessful development  of  his  plans  justified.  His  faith  in  the 
safety  and  future  value  of  land  investments  increased  with 
observation  and  experience,  and  lie  continued  to  increase  his 
landed  estate  whenever  his  means  or  his  credit  would  make 
it  possible.  The  next  step  was  to  improve  and  cultivate.  He 
was  never  a mere  speculator,  but  a liberal,  enterprising,  far- 
seeing  business  man,  whose  operations  all  tended  to  devel- 
oping the  resources,  and  building  up  the  prosperity  of  the 
community,  in  which  he  was  interested.  His  extensive 
dealings  of  course  involved  him  in  debt,  and  at  times  deeply, 
but  the  reputation  he  had  established  for  integrit}^  and 
sound  business  judgment  with  the  banks  and  money  lenders, 
always  enabled  him  to  command  the  means  toAtmeet  his 
obligations  without  materially  reducing  his  land  invest- 
ments. 

About  1870  the  failing  health  of  liis  wife  induced  a 
change  of  residence,  and  Mi*.  Scott  removed  to  Springfield, 
where  he  and  Mrs.  Scott  had  already  established  many 
pleasant  social  relations.  During  the  residence  at  Spring- 
field.  two  little  girls,  orphan  cousins  of  Mrs.  Scott,  from 
Tennessee,  joined  the  family  circle.  Their  father.  Col. 
Edmund  Winston,  of  La  Grange — an  extensive  planter  of 
Alabama  and  Tennessee-  -had  been  forced  fo  succumb  to  the 
desolations  and  ruin  of  the  civil  war,  and  these  lovely  chil- 
dren found  in  Mr.  Scott’s  tender  heart,  and  Mrs.  Scott’s 
motherly  affection,  all  the  tenderness,  and  care,  and  training, 
and  education,  they  afterwards  lavished  so  freely  on  their 
two  daughters  by  blood.  And  most  sweetly  and  richly  has 
the  response  been  manifested,  in  the  tenderest  devotion. 


18 


The  younger  sister,  Miss  Nannie,  married  Mr.  W.  A. 
Gardner,  of  whom  it  is  sufficient  to  say  here,  first  and 
emphatically,  that  he  is  a gentleman,  and  second,  that  he  is 
arising  young  lawyer  of  Chicago.  Miss  Sue  vibrates  between 
the  two  homes,  the  only  cause  of  dissention  being,  which 
shall  share  the  most  of  her  time. 

Two  charmed  years  were  spent  in  this  beautiful  city,  but 
the  demands  of  his  business  rendering  frequent  absence  from 
home  necessary,  Mr.  Scott  was  most  reluctantly  forced  to 
change  his  residence  to  a point  nearer  and  more  convenient 
to  it.  He  selected  Bloomington,  where  they  already  had 
many  friends  and  pleasant  acquaintances,  and  which  had 
become  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adlai  Stevenson,  and  of 
young  Lewis  Green  Stevenson. 

Having  become,  as  he  intended  to  be,  a permanent  resi- 
dent of  Bloomington,  he  bought  the  beautiful  home  in  which 
he  passed  the  last  twenty  years  of  his  life,  and  in  which  be 
died.  He  soon  began  to  teel  identified  with  the  interests  of 
the  city,  and  in  conjunction  with  several  other  gentlemen, 
organized  a company  to  mine  for  coal.  Mr.  Scott  was  made 
president,  and  Mr.  James  B.  Stevenson,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer— offices  they  each  filled  until  death.  The  importance 
of  this  enterprise  to  the  city  of  Bloomington  need  not  be 
more  than  suggested,  its  subsequent  growth,  and  present 
prosperity,  as  well  as  that  of  the  surrounding  country,  is  due 
more  to  that,  than  to  any  other  enterprise  within  the  county. 

And  here  it  is  but  just,  to  refer  to  two  other  gentlemen 
associated  with  him  for  twenty  years,  in  the  office  of  the 
McLean  County  Coal  Company,  in  the  most  intimate  and 


19 


confidential  relations — Mr.  Lyman  Graham,  and  Mr.  David 
Bowen.  He  recognized  their  affectionate  interest,  and  valu- 
able assistance,  as  a strength  and  stay  to  him,  in  many  an 
anxious  and  perilous  hour. 

Besides  this,  Mr.  Scott  was  interested  in  several  other 
smaller  ventures,  tending  to  advance  the  growth  of  the  city, 
but  was  so  much  absorbed  in  his  more  important  business, 
that  he  took  but  little  concern  about  them,  and  was  known 
to  but  few  as  having  any  connection  with  them.  He  was  a 
liberal  man,  and  took  stock  in  such  enterprises,  more  from  a 
motive  of  public  spirit,  or  a generous  impulse  to  assist  his 
friends,  than  as  a matter  of  judgment.  When  failure  fol- 
lowed, as  was  sometimes  the  case,  he  pocketed  his  loss  with- 
out a show  of  disappointment,  still  less  ol  reproach.  Noblesse 
oblige  was  the  key  to — the  grand  unconscious  motto  of  his 
unselfish  life. 

In  important  operations  he  acted  promptly  and  boldly, 
and  met  difficulties  and  obstacles  with  the  resolution  and 
tenacity  of  a remarkably  strong  will.  It  may  be  said  that  he 
achieved  his  successes  rather  than  met  them. 

He  was  more  inclined  to  large  operations,  especially 
those  which  promised  to  be  capable  of  extensive  future 
development.  In  all  of  his  investments  he  looked  to  their 
development  for  his  profits,  and  they  all  had  for  their  basis, 
real  estate.  He  was  always  on  the  alert  for  such  oppor- 
tunities, and  exhibited  great  sagacity  in  estimating  them, 
and  great  promptness  and  boldness  in  seizing  them  when 
well  satisfied  of  their  soundness.  As  an  illustration  of  this, 
in  1876  he  became  satisfied  through  the  investigation  of  a 


friend,*  that  there  was  the  opportunity  for  profitable  oper- 
ation in  some  Kansas  lands,  contiguous  to  the  great  lead 
mining  region  in  Southwest  Missouri.  A company  was 
organized,  with  Mr.  Scott  as  president,  to  prosecute  this 
enterprise.  Almost  insuperable  difficulties  and  obstacles 
were  confronted  and  overcome,  and  the  result  was  the 
development  of  the  celebrated  Galena  (Kansas)  lead  mining 
district,  which  proved  to  be  the  richest  district  in  that 
extensive  and  rich  lead  region.  The  Bloomington  company's 
lands  did  not  prove  as  rich  as  those  adjoining  but  Mr  Scott 
and  his  associates  are  entitled  to  the  credit  for  judgment  and 
nerve  in  taking  the  initiative. 

A sketch  of  the  life  and  character  of  a strictly  business 
man,  must  be,  to  some  extent,  a sketch  of  his  business 
history,  for  it  is  only  thus  that  his  relations  to  the  public  can 
be  understood  and  appreciated.  And  such  a man  was  Mr. 
Scott.  He  was  never  a public  man.  in  the  ordinary  sense. 
He  was  never  an  officeholder,  or  an  officeseeker.  having  no 
taste  for  official  or  political  life,  even  if  his  business  interests 
would  have  permitted  him  to  enter  it.  But  during  all  his 
business  life,  he  held  many  important  relations  to  the  public 
interest,  through  the  business  enterprises  he  conducted,  for 
in  all  of  them,  the  public  was  a large,  indirect  beneficiary. 
In  fact,  he  never  sought  to  figure  personally  before  the 
public,  in  any  light,  or  any  relation.  His  influence  was  felt 
as  a strong,  steady,  moving  force,  in  the  social,  moral,  and 
industrial  movements  of  the  community,  rather  than  seen, 


* Major  George  B.  Pickett. 


and  no  man  of  His  real  influence,  and  force,  made  so  modest 
a figure  before  the  public.  Though,  for  several  years,  the 
owner  of  two  newspapers,  his  name  rarely  appeared  in 
either,  and  that,  while  he  was  among  the  most  useful  and 
influential  men  in  the  community. 

Sure  it  is,  if  doing  his  full  part  in  giving  a pure  tone  to 
communities;  establishing  a high  standard  in  the  business 
world  of  which  he  was  a factor,  and  illustrating  it  by  his  own 
example;  if  doing  a splendid  part  in  developing  the  interests 
and  material  resources  of  a great  state,  making  it  strong  and 
prosperous;  by  his  energy,  honesty,  skill,  and  foresight, 
furnishing  a quiet  but  forceful  stimulus  to  the  exertions  of 
others,  and  by  his  own  enterprise,  furnishing  to  hundreds 
and  even  thousands  of  laborers,  the  means  of  gaining  an 
honest  livelihood  for  their  families;  it  to  fear  God,  to  be 
faithful  to  every  trust,  to  be  not  only  just,  but  kind  and 
merciful  to  man,  if  these  things  count  for  anything  in  life, 
Matthew  T.  Scott  has  not  lived  in  vain. 

As  has  been  so  beautifully  written  of  another,  it  may  be 
truthfully  said  of  him  also.  “Soft  as  a woman  in  speech, 
tender  as  a child  in  heart,  stainless  in  honor,  peerless  in 
truthfulness,  he  lived  through  the  years  that  God  assigned 
him,  and  passed  from  the  tumult  and  toil  of  earth,  to  the 
coronation  that  awaits  the  faithful.  Aspiring  not  to  civic 
honors,  he  was  identified  with  the  advancement  of  his  city: 
stooping  not  to  the  deceits  of  trade,  success  crowned  his 
business  career;  not  a teacher  of  divine  things,  his  life  was  a 
sermon,  and  his  peaceful  death  a vindication  of  his  Christian 
faith.” 


As  an  evidence  of  the  confidence  in  his  judgment  and 
integrity,  reposed  in  him  by  his  friends,  it  may  be  stated,, 
that  always  in  important  business  in  which  he  was  associated 
with  others,  he  was  placed  in  the  management,  and  that 
success  was  always  the  result.  The  estate  that  he  left  is  the 
fruit  of  his  own  energy,  his  own  judgment,  his  own  courage, 
not  one  dollar  of  which  was  gained  by  questionable  methods,, 
and  with  it  he  has  left  a character  lor  integrity  and  honor, 
which  has  never  been  questioned,  or  suspected — a reputation 
of  which  his  children  may  well  be  proud. 

In  politics,  Mr.  Scott  was,  until  the  war,  a whig  ol  the 
Henry  Clay  school,  and  voted  for  Beil  and  Everett  in  I860. 
He  was  a strong  advocate  of  compromise  before  and  during 
the  war,  on  a basis  ol  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  This 
put  him,  at  the  close  of  the  war,  in  sympathy  with  the  demo- 
cratic party,  ol  which  he  became  a strong  supporter.  He 
was  a man  of  positive  character,  and  positive  opinions,  and 
always  had  the  courage  of  his  convictions.  In  1878  he  united 
with  some  democratic  Iriends  in  forming  a company  to 
establish  a democratic  journal  in  Bloomington,  to  become 
the  organ  of  the  party  in  that  congressional  district.  Mr. 
Scott  was  made  president  of  the  company,  and  the  Bloom- 
ington Bulletin  was  the  result,  with  Hon.  John  H.  Oberly  as 
editor.  Mr.  Scott  subsequently  became  the  proprietor  ol  the 
paper,  and  later  disposed  of  it  to  Hon.  Owen  Scott,  the 
present  representative  in  congress  from  the  district,  who  has 
conducted  it  most  ably  and  successfully. 

By  inheritance  and  by  conviction,  Mr.  Scott  was  a 
Presbyterian.  In  lact,  he  was,  by  instinct,  reverential,  and 


28 


this  instinct  was  cultivated  by  his  early  training  and  life 
long  associations.  He  was  a man  of  frank  and  sincere 
nature,  and  despised  insincerity  and  hypocrisy  in  all  its 
forms;  but  of  all  forms  of  hypocrisy,  religious  hypocrisy  was 
the  most  repulsive  to  him;  and  this,  with  his  exalted  standard 
of  a consistent  Christian  life,  was  doubtless  one  of  the  con- 
trolling reasons  for  postponing  so  long  any  public  profession 
of  his  faith.  He  was  always  a reverential  worshiper  in  the 
house  of  God,  a liberal  but  unostentatious  supporter  of  his 
church,  and  its  agencies,  equally  liberal  and  unostentatious 
in  the  support  of  charitable  and  benevolent  movements,  and 
generous  in  his  private  charities. 

Personally,  Mr.  Scott  was,  at  all  periods  of  his  life,  a 
handsome  man,  with  a large,  handsomely  shaped  head,  indi- 
cating a vigorous  and  active  brain;  his  features  were  well 
proportioned,  and  regular,  and  his  expression,  when  in  repose, 
was  that  of  an  intelligent,  thoughtful,  strong-willed,  and 
self-reliant  man.  At  other  times,  his  features  showed  great 
flexibility,  and  animation,  and  mirrored  faithfully,  the  play 
of  the  passing  thought,  or  emotion. 

He  was  a man  of  buoyant  spirits,  of  a genial,  social  dis- 
position, fond  of  company,  and  a welcome  addition  to  any 
social  gathering,  with  his  distinguished  bearing,  and  winning, 
cordial  manners,  that  no  contact  with  the  rough  side  of 
pioneer  life  could  ever  rob  of  their  courtliness. 

His  friendships  wound  themselves  about  the  strongest 
fibres  of  his  being.  No  man,  woman  or  child,  who  ever  had 
occasion  to  test  this  quality,  in  this  man,  ever  found  him 
lacking.  No  sacrifice,  no  inconvenience  to  himself  was  too 


great,  if  he  could  serve  a friend.  And  in  this  relation,  he 
knew  neither  politics  nor  creed,  rank  or  station,  poverty  or 
wealth.  He  was  singularly  free  from  that  kind  of  bigotry  of 
opinion  on  any  subject,  which  would  incline  him  to  place 
those  who  differed  from  him,  beyond  the  pale  of  friendship 
or  of  sympathy. 

He  simply  iollowed  his  own  tastes,  his  own  ideas  ot  pro- 
priety, and  business  judgment,  and  left  others  to  do  the 
same. 

But  it  was  within  his  home,  and  among  his  intimate 
friends,  that  Mr.  Scott  showed  in  his  most  attractive  light, 
and  it  is  the  light  reflected  from  these  sources  which  is  at 
once  the  most  searching,  and  the  most  significant,  of  the 
real  character  of  a man.  There  the  disguises  with  which 
insincerity  and  sham  virtues  may  have  deluded  the  public, 
are  thrown  aside.  But  to  his  family  circle,  and  to  his  inti- 
mate friends,  bis  character  shows  in  its  native  quality. 

Here,  in  his  home,  the  whole  wealth  of  his  rich  and  lov- 
ing nature  was  lavished,  without  stint,  upon  the  dear  ones 
whom  he  shielded  with  a love  tender  as  it  was  strong.  It 
was  here  that  his  natural  and  unaffected  courtesy,  his  chiv- 
alrous deference  to  woman — the  instinctive  chivalry  of  a 
manly  nature— shone  with  brightest  lustre.  As  a character- 
istic illustration  of  this  trait,  he  went  one  evening  with  a 
friend  to  a public  meeting,  where  a petition  was  to  be  circu- 
lated they  had  each  fully  decided  not  to  sign.  As  the  exer- 
cises progressed,  a sweet-faced,  middle-aged  lady,  with  the 
petition,  approached  some  men  near  him,  who  repulsed  her 
very  rudely.  Mr.  Scott  instantly  sprang  up — and  with  a 


25 


look  at  the  roughs,  which  would  have  extinguished  them, 
were  it  not  that  some  forms  of  coarseness  are  impervious  to 
rebuke — and  with  a bow  that  would  have  done  honor  to 
Chesterfield,  said  to  the  lady,  “Allow  me,  Madam,  to  have 
your  paper  a moment,”  and  wrote  his  own,  and  his  friend’s 
name  out  in  full,  and  handed  it  back  to  her.  When  his  friend 
twitted  him  with  having  committed  them  both  to  something 
they  did  not  approve,  he  said,  “Well,  I couldn’t  knock  those 
fellows  down,  and  there  was  no  other  way  to  relieve  that 
poor  woman.” 

For  his  children,  his  love  was  idolatry.  He  loved  them 
with  an  abounding  affection,  which  overflowed  and  embraced 
all  other  children  with  whom  he  was  brought  into  associ- 
ation. Indeed,  his  ready  sympathy  with  little  children  was 
one  of  the  beautiful  traits  of  his  character.  Many  a neg- 
lected little  stranger  in  the  street,  cheered  by  his  hearty, 
tender  sympathy,  has  wondered  who  the  great,  strong, 
unknown  friend  could  be. 

He  was  a man  of  strong,  active  intellect,  capable  of  mas- 
tering any  subject  in  its  details  and  principles,  to  which  he 
might  devote  himself,  and  could  have  achieved  distinction  in 
any  of  the  so-called  intellectual  pursuits  to  which  he  might 
have  applied  himself,  as  he  achieved  success  in  the  lines  of 
business  which  he  followed.  He  was  deliberate  in  forming 
his  opinions  in  important  matters,  and  self-reliant.  He 
sought  information,  but  not  advice,  except  upon  technical 
subjects,  and  from  experts. 

He  was  also  a man  of  wide  and  general  intelligence, 
keeping  well  up  with  the  advancing  knowledge  and  current 


26 


history  of  the  times,  and  in  touch  with  public  opinion  on  all 
social,  moral  and  political  movements  in  the  country.  Never 
having  allowed  himself  to  be  brought  before  the  public  in 
any  way,  which  would  have  developed  his  ability  as  a public 
speaker,  his  talent  in  that  direction  was  never  tested,  but  as 
he  was  a fluent  talker  and  a vigorous  writer,  with  a remark- 
able power  of  logical  statement  and  condensation,  there  is 
no  doubt  that  with  the  constant  and  methodical  training 
which  the  bar,  or  the  pulpit  gives,  he  would  have  become  a 
ready,  forcible,  and  effective  speaker. 

After  what  has  been  said,  it  is  unnecessary  to  sum  up  the 
character  of  Mr.  Scott  with  a formal  array  of  words,  expres- 
sive of  his  qualities,  and  with  the  strong  adjectives  with 
which  admiration  and  friendship  would  emphasize  them. 
This  fashion  of  eulogy  has  become  so  stereotyped  as  to  lose 
its  significance,  and  sincere  esteem  and  affection  shrink  from 
using  it.  It  has  be6n  the  plan  and  purpose  of  this  paper  to 
show  him  as  he  appeared  to  his  friends,  and  acquaintances, 
in  his  home  life,  in  his  social  relations,  in  his  business  con- 
nections, and  in  his  relation  to  the  public  interest,  and  let 
him  stand  forth  in  the  light  reflected  by  these.  This  is  the 
true  light,  which  casts  no  delusive  tints,  and  under  which  no 
stains  can  be  hidden,  and  love  and  friendship  are  willing  that 
he  should  be  judged  by  it. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  LETTERS. 


To  show  that  the  estimate  of  his  life  and  character  as 
exhibited  in  the  foregoing  paper,  is  not  that  alone  of  partial 
friendship — and  that  made  more  partial  by  sympathy  excited 
by  his  recent  death — but  was  the  judgment  formed  by  the 
public  generally  in  the  communities  in  which  he  had  lived,  or 
was  generally  known — we  present  further,  some  extracts  from 
the  public  press,  published  before  and  since  his  death,  as 
well  as  extracts  from  private  letters  from  some  of  his  friends 
who  had  known  him  longest  and  best.  Some  of  these  are 
from  persons  with  whom  he  had  had  antagonisms  on  politi- 
cal or  local  questions  more  or  less  warm,  and  are  therefore 
the  more  valuable  and  the  more  grateful  to  his  friends  on 
this  account.  They  are  reprinted  in  a collected  form  for  the 
benefit  of  his  children  especially. 

“ I feel  that  a true  and  upright  man,  one  of  the  manliest 
of  men — the  soul  of  honor — has  been  called  away.  His 
genial  companionship,  his  reverence  for  God’s  word,  and  all 
things  sacred — his  tenacious  regard  for  the  simple  truth,  his 
unostentatious  generosity,  and  large-hearted  Christian  bene- 
volence, were  among  the  qualities  that  greatly  endeared  him 
to  my  heart.  1 never  had  a better  friend  among  men.  I can 
never  forget  his  kindness  in, so  many  ways,  to  me  and  mine.” 

Another: 

“I  seriously  think  that  Matt  Scott  was  possibly  the 
truest  and  best  friend  I have  had  in  this  world.  A dear,  no- 
ble fellow!  ” 


28 


Another: 

“ Mr.  Scott  was  one  of  the  best  and  most  generous  of 
friends  to  me.” 

Another: 

“ Surely  you  must  find  comfort  in  the  reflection  that  his 
life  was  not  spent  in  vain.  That  those  who  knew  him  best, 
loved  him  most.  That  the  lives  and  fortunes  of  many  were 
made  happier  by  his  kindness  and  generosity.  That  the 
community,  the  state  itself,  became  more  prosperous  through 
his  wise  and  philanthropic  efforts.” 

Another: 

“ If  wTe  could  only  have  been  there  to  pay  our  last  tri- 
bute of  respect  to  the  noblest,  best,  and  kindest  man  we  ever 
knew — and  there  is  no  one  whom  we  loved  or  honored  more.” 

Another: 

“ I need  not  tell  you  how  sincerely  I feel  this  as  a per- 
sonal loss.  He  was  my  best  friend,  noble,  generous  and  true. 
In  an  intimate  friendship  of  many  years,  there  was  nothing 
in  the  history  of  his  life  that  I cannot  recall  with  pleasure, 
and  much  that  I can  recall  with  gratitude.  I need  not  tell 
you  how  sincerely  I realize,  that  I have  sustained  a personal 
loss  in  his  friendship,  which  I can  never  find  in  another.” 

Another: 

“ He  was  to  me  the  model  of  a gentleman,  a most  upright 
business  man,  and  all  that  constitutes  a pure,  brave,  and 
noble  man,  was  embodied  in  him.  His  generosity  ought 
never  to  be  forgotten  by  the  many  who  have  been  its 
recipients.” 


29 


So  many  like  this: 

“ Our  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Scott  antedates  our  com- 
mencement of  business  with  him,  and  covers  a score  of  years. 
Our  early  acquaintance  was  strengthened  into  warm  friend- 
ship, by  business  relations,  so  that  we  feel  as  all  others  who 
enjoyed  his  friendship,  the  loss  of  a man  of  sterling  worth, 
whose  place  cannot  be  filled.” 

And  this: 

‘'I  never  knew  a man  who  had  more  entirely,  and  with- 
out reserve,  my  admiration  and  affectionate  regard.  He  was 
a gentleman  of  the  old  school,  candid,  faithtul,  true  and 
free  from  all  methods  of  indirection.  From  my  own  feel- 
ings, I can  well  understand  the  deep  sense  of  loss  and  dis- 
tress in  the  home  where  Mr.  Scott  lived,  and  was  best  known.” 

Another: 

“ He  knew  how  we  admired  and  loved  him — and  how 
we  shall  miss  him  out  of  our  lives  is  too  distressing  to  talk  of.” 

Another: 

“Those  who  knew  Mr.  Scott  as  we  knew  him,  realize  too 
well  all  that  you  have  lost,  and  we  who  possessed  in  him  a 
friend  when  one  was  most  needed,  feel  that  it  is  a privilege  to 
be  one  with  you  in  this  deepest  of  sorrows.  An  inscrutable 
Providence,  who  has  stopped  the  workings  of  that  master- 
ful mind,  and  stilled  the  beatings  of  that  kind  heart  can 
alone  comfort  and  sustain  you.” 

Another: 

“ Since  hearing  it  I can  think  of  nothing  else.  I knew 
him  well,  and  knowing  him,  could  only  love  and  admire  him 


30 


— so  noble,  so  good — my  ideal  of  all  that  was  manly  and 
lovable.” 

Another: 

u I have  just  learned,  to  my  inexpressible  sorrow,  of  the 
death  of  Mr.  Scott — one  of  the  very  noblest  men  that  ever 
lived  I was  very  proud  of  his  friendship;  I shall  deeply 
mourn  his  taking  off;  I will  not  write  the  news  to  my  wife  to- 
day - she  is  not  well,  and  was  so  devoted  to  him.” 

Another: 

“ Words  cannot  express  the  shock  of  grief  the  sad  mess- 
age brought  to  me.  I have  lost  one  of  my  truest , best , friends; 
one  who  was  truly  ‘a  friend  in  need.’  I did  love  him  very 
truly,  and  the  world  seems  lonelier  to  me  since  he  has  gone.” 

Another: 

“As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  feel  that  death  has  snatch- 
ed from  us  one  of  the  truest  friends  we  ever  had.  I never  ex- 
pect to  find  a better.” 

Another: 

What  a friend  he  was  ! Surely  no  one  ever  had  a 
better.  God  gives  us  few  such.  There  are  few,  who  have  the 
means  to  be  so  generous,  and  still  fewer  who  have  the  dispo- 
sition. I could  never  when  talking  ‘face  to  face’  with  him, 
express  the  gratitude  of  my  heart,  for  all  his  kindness  and 
thoughtful  re m e m b ranee.” 

Another: 

“For  myself  I mourn  the  loss  of  a true  friend,  for  Mr. 
Scott  was  always  so  kind  to  me,  especially  when  I most  need- 
ed friends,  that  I can  never  forget  it.” 


31 


Another: 

“ When  I first  knew  Mr.  Scott,  near  thirty  years  since,  at 
Chenoa,  he  did  not  make  a profession  of  religion,  and  was  not 
a member  of  the  church;  but  can  truely  say,  his  daily  walk 
in  life  was  that  of  a true  hearted  Christian,  and  I know  he  did 
far  more  for  the  upbuilding  of  the  church,  and  the  cause  of 
Christ  there,  than  any  of  the  church  members.” 

Another: 

“ I knew  Mr.  Scott  only  slightly,  but  admired  him  great- 
ly. He  was  so  thoroughly  my  ideal  of  a gentleman." 

Another: 

“ He  was  a good,  kind  man,  a grand  man,  for  he  was  so 
noble,  generous,  and  kind  to  all  alike.  My  son  and  I hold  him 
in  a very  sacred  remembrance,  for  all  the  generosity  shown 
us  in  an  hour  of  need/’ 

Another: 

“ We  mourn  the  loss  of  a dear  friend,  whose  place  can- 
not be  filled  on  earth.  My  husband  felt  the  blow  as  sorely  as 
if  it  had  been  a brother.  It  is  rarely  one  finds  so  noble,  true 
a man,  and  his  memory  will  be  precious  to  his  friends.  Life 
is  worth  living,  if  one  can  leave  so  good  a name  when  called 
from  earth.  How  gemmed  must  be  his  crown,  rich  reward 
for  all  his  generous  deeds  on  earth.” 

Another: 

“ 1 too  have  lost  a good,  true  friend — even  as  a brother, 
one  whom  I have  so  loved — his  kind,  loving  heart  embraced 
so  many  in  its  affections,  and  made  him  beloved  as  few 
men  are.” 


32 


Another: 

“We  all  loved  Mr.  Scott,  his  grand,  noble,  Christian  char- 
acter has  been  a ‘living  epistle  read  and  known  of  all  men.’ 
His  kind,  comforting  letter  of  sympathy  sent  us  when 
our  dear  father  passed  away  was  a source  of  pleasure  to 
his  children,  and  I have  it  to-day  in  my  possession.  I know 
‘it  is  well’  with  him.” 

Another: 

“ His  strength  of  character,  and  intelligence,  marked  him 
as  one  whom  men  delight  to  honor.  It  is  a pleasure  to 
know  that  those  whom  we  love  are  so  worthy,  and  he  won 
the  admiration  of  all  who  knew  him.” 

Another: 

“I  never  knew  him  personally,  but  from  others  I have 
heard  enough  of  his  noble,  useful  life — so  filled  with  good 
deeds— to  know  that  you  ‘sorrow  not  as  those  who  have  no 
hope,’  but  have  the  blessed  assurance,  that  ‘it  is  well  wtih 
him  J | 

Another: 

“We  meet  with  so  few  of  his  stamp,  it  seems  as  if  it 
would  have  been  a mercy  to  humanity  to  have  spared  him. 
But  oh  no!  He  is  gathering  the  wheat  unto  himself.  One 
by  one  they  go  to  reap  the  harvest  of  a well  spent  life — and 
of  the  many  good  deeds  done  to  ‘his  little  ones.’” 

Another: 

“I  had  for  Mr.  Scott  much  more  than  an  ordinary  attach- 
ment. I am  reminded  now  that  long  ago  I held  him  in  high 
esteem,  and  have  always  been  proud  to  regard  him  as  my 


.friend.  I recall  his  high  qualities,  his  many  virtues,  his 
marked  good  sense,  his  manly  bearing,  his  winning  manners 
and  warm  attachments.” 

Another: 

“ My  heart  goes  out  to  you  and  yours.  I have  always 
admired  Mr.  Scott’s  generous  and  noble  Christian  character. 
My  mother,  too,  so  often  spoke  of  him  with  so  much  affection.” 

Another: 

“ His  death  is  a loss  to  every  church  and  every  noble 
cause  in  the  city.” 

Another: 

“ In  the  decease  of  Mr.  Scott  the  community,  the  church, 
and  this  society  have  lost  a noble  man  and  sympathizing 
' member:  and  we  each  individually  feel  bereaved  of  a friend, 
whose  continuous  kindness  will  ever  remain  a precious 
memory.  We  are  assured  that  with  him  ’all  is  well’  and 
rejoice  that  he  publicly  professed  his  faith  in  Christ  as  his 
personal  redeemer,  and  his  loyalty  to  Him.”* 

Another 

“ How  lovely  and  good  he  was  to  us,  and  how  sweet  will 


* Note. — He  closes  a beautiful  letter  to  a cherished  friend  with  these  words: 
“And  now,  concerning  that  one  thing  of  chiefest  importance  to  every  soul  on  earth, 
of  greatest  interest  for  the  million  times  millions  of  years  which  will  make  not 
even  a beginning  of  eternity — I would  beg  you  not  to  defer  making  your  peace 
with  God.  Do  not  delay,  and  not  only  give  your  heart  to  Christ,  but  ‘ confess  him/ 
and  you  will  be  better  off  than  all  the  unconverted  crowned  heads  and  millionaires 
of  the  earth ; for  their  glory  is  so  short-lived  and  so  insignificant,  compared  with  the 
unspeakable,  and  everlasting  blessedness  of  the  saved.  Don’t  be  ashamed  to  con- 
fess that  you  love  Christ,  who  loved  you  and  died  that  you  might  be  saved,  if  only 
you  will  trust  Him.” 


34 


ever  be  our  thoughts  ot  him.  We  will  miss  him  always. 
We  never  had  a better  friend.” 

Another: 

“My  husband  feels  deeply  the  loss  of  a warm  friend, 
who,  he  remarked,  ‘ “was  the  embodiment  of  so  many  good 
qualities,  everything  courteous,  noble  and  good.’  ” 

Another: 

“ It  must  to  all  his  friends,  as  to  me,  seem  a personal  loss. 
He  was  so  generous,  pure-hearted,  and  cordial  to  all  his 
neighbors  and  friends,  it  seemed  simply  a pleasure  to  him 
to  give  pleasure.  So  many  of  my  pleasantest  thoughts  and 
associations  connected  with  our  home  and  life  in  Blooming- 
ton, are  associated  with  Mr.  Scott.” 

Another: 

“While  I have  not  met  Mr.  Scott  for  some  years,  yet  I 
have  always  remembered  him  gratefully  for  the  kind  feeling 
he  had  for  me,  and  the  gracious  treatment  he  at  all  times 
accorded  me,  during  our  association  some  years  ago.” 

Another: 

“Besides  the  deepest  sympathy  for  you,  and  your  daugh- 
ters, I ieel  that  we  have  lost  a dear  friend,  by  the  passing 
into  the  regions  of  the  blessed,  of  one  of  the  noblest  men  we 
ever  knew. 

Another: 

“The  whole  community  is  to  be  pitied,  which  loses  a 
true-hearted,  generous  and  honorable  gentleman.  I have 
been  thinking,  as  1 lay  here,  ill,  of  the  many  times,  when  a 


35 


bashful  school  girl,  1 was  made  to  feel  that  he  was  treating 
me  with  all  the  deference  and  polite  respect  that  would  have 
been  given  to  a brilliant  woman.” 

Another: 

“We  loved  him.  He  has  stood  by  us  through  all  our 
days  of  sorrow  and  adversity,  and  his  love  and  sympathy  ex- 
pressed in  so  many  different  ways,  have  helped  to  smooth  the 
rugged  path,  and  left  a memory,  that  will  brighten  all  the 
years  to  come.’7 

Another: 

“Eulogy  would  fail  to  express  to  you  our  idea  of  him. 
Utterance  of  our  appreciation  and  sense  of  loss  would  be 
poor  and  feeble.  By  all  of  mine  Mr.  Scott  was  loved  and 
cherished.” 

Another: 

“ I feel  that  I have  met  with  an  irreparable  loss;  one 
whose  place  can  never  be  supplied.” 

Another: 

“Your  husband  was  a faithful  friend.  It  seems  as  if  the 
world  could  not  spare  one  so  noble,  kind  and  generous  in 
every  relation  of  life.  \ can  never  forget  his  regal  hospital- 
ity and  his  touching  gentleness  to  my  darling — I can  never 
recall  it  without  my  heart  welling  up  into  my  eyes.” 

Another: 

“ 1 myself  am  bereft  of  a personal  friend.  I feel  indeed 
that  I am  one  in  affliction  and  bereavement  with  you  and 
your  children.” 


36 


Another: 

“Our  hearts  are  too  sad  for  anything  we  can  do  or  say — 
such  a noble,  grand  and  good  man,  what  a loss  to  the  country, 
to  say  nothing  of  his  family  and  friends.” 

Another: 

‘‘How  feeble  is  my  poor  pen  to  express  the  esteem  for 

your  noble  husband  by  both  Mr. and  myself.  His  loss 

is  not  only  yours  and  the  dear  children’s,  but  the  many 
friends  who  loved  and  honored  him,  will  miss  his  wise  coun- 
sel and  his  many  unselfish  acts  of  kindness.” 

Another: 

“I  shall  always  feel  grateful  to  your  husband  for  his 
kindness  to  me.  He  possessed  all  the  characteristics  that 
form  a noble  man,  with  the  rare  self-depreciation  that 
charms.  He  has  left  his  precious  ones  a rich  legacy,  in  a 
character  and  career  without  a blemish.” 

Another: 

“I  have  thought  of  you  and  yours  so  much,  and  have 
longed  to  see  you  and  talk  with  you  of  him  we  all  loved  so 
truly.  So  much  seems  taken  out  of  my  life  since  he  has 
gone.  Such  a friend  as  he  was  to  me;  so  kind,  so  thoughtful, 
I will  never  have  another  like  him.” 

Another: 

“ 1 cannot  think  of  any  man  in  my  wide  circle  of  f riends, 
that  I honored  as  I did  your  husband.  He  was  so  true , so 
good!  on  a higher  plane  than  most  men,  I was  proud  to  call 
him  my  friend.  1 have  such  sweet  and  enduring  recollec- 
tions of  him,  I can  never  forget  him.’ 


37 


IN  MEMORIAM. 


M.  T.  SCOTT. 

When  a man  of  broad,  human  sympathy,  is  called  from 
the  earth;  when  a spirit  leaves  us,  which,  beyond  the  age  of 
60,  was  bound  to  us  by  the  ardor,  and  generous  freshness  of 
youth;  when  we  lose  a brother,  whose  great  heart  made  him 
chivalrous,  and  full  of  tender  and  considerate  courtesies,  in 
the  most  trying  circumstances  of  life;  when  a keen,  self- 
poised  mind,  delighting  itself  alike  in  truth,  for  its  own 
beauty,  and  in  the  most  rigorous  and  heroic  ventures  of 
business  competition,  is  snatched  from  our  companionship, 
and  we  lose  the  pleasures,  and  profits  of  the  same,  we  are 
called  upon  to  mourn  with  a peculiar  sorrow.  Such  a feeling 
retifains  with  us  in  the  death  of  our  brother,  Matthew  T. 
Scott. 

Foregoing  any  further  tribute  to  his  worth,  but  carrying 
the  same  in  our  hearts,  we  beg  to  write  as  his  epitaph,  in 
our  records: 

Always  a gentleman, 

Generous  of  heart, 

Tender  in  his  attachments, 

Clear  and  exceptional  in  his  intellect, 

Noble  in  his  life — 

MATTHEW  T.  SCOTT, 

Born  February  24,  1828; 

Died  May  21,  1891. 

.James  B.  Taylor, 

H.  S.  Swayne, 

Charles  L.  Capen. 

Committee  College  Alumni  Club. 

B.  P.  Colton,  Secretary 


FROM  THE  NEWSPAPERS, 


Bulletin. 


AT  DEATH’S  DOOR. 


Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott  Experiences  a Relapse  and  is 

Very  Low. 

There  will  be  great  anxiety  and  regret  throughout  the 
city  when  it  is  known  that  Mr.  M.  T.  Scott,  one  of  our  most 
prominent  business  men,  is  in  a critical  condition.  Mr.  Scott 
has  been  ill  with  grip  for  some  time,  but  of  late  seemed 
steadily  improving.  The  newspaper  statement  that  he  sat 
out  on  the  porch  yesterday  was  wholly  incorrect,  as  he  was 
unable  to  leave  his  bed,  nevertheless  he  was  apparently 
gaining  strength.  This  morning  he  ate  a rather  hearty 
breakfast  and  soon  after  fell  asleep,  and  Dr.  Taylor,  the  at- 
tending physician,  found  him  in  a semi-comatose  condition, 
and  was  unable  to  rouse  him  and  he  has  since  remained  in  that 
state.  He  seems  to  recognize  those  about  him,  but  is  unable 
to  speak.  Dr.  Taylor  has  remained  with  him  through  the 
day  and  has  had  Dr.  White,  Dr.  Parke  and  Dr.  Hill  in  con- 
sultation. Relatives  have  been  summoned  by  telegraph. 

At  4 o’clock  Mr.  Scott  was  worse,  being  in  a complete 
stupor.  The  physicians  do  not  think  he  can  live  till  morning, 
while  he  may  die  at  any  moment. 


39 


Pantograph. 

DANGEROUSLY  ILL. 


Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  of  this  City,  Becomes  Suddenly 
Worse  and  Will  Probably  Die. 

Ml.  M.  T.  Scott,  who  has  been  ill  tor  a month  past,  was 
taken  very  much  worse  yesterday  morning,  shortly  after 
partaking  of  light  refreshments.  He  had  been  suffering 
from  what  has  been  commonly  termed  grip,  but  what  the 
doctors  pronounced  to  be  pneumonia,  and  a slight  bronchial 
affection.  He  had  been  very  ill,  but  was  thought  to  be  im- 
proving some,  and  yesterday  morning  his  family  and  friends 
thought  that  there  was  no  doubt  of  his  ultimate  recovery. 
After  breakfast  he  fell  into  a sleep,  from  which  he  could 
scarcely  be  aroused.  His  breathing  grew  stentorian,  and 
although  physicians  were  promptly  summoned,  he  seemed 
to  sink  into  a comatose  state,  and  all  of  yesterday  aiternoon 
and  night  remained  in  that  condition.  His  physicians  say 
that  he  is  now  suffering  from  paralysis  of  the  brain,  and  they 
give  but  very  slight  hopes  of  his  recovery. 

Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  more  commonly  known  as  Mr. 
Matt  Scott,  is  one  of  the  most  respected  and  best  known  of 
Bloomington's  citizens.  He  has  been  a prominent  figure 
here  for  twenty  years,  and  his  character  is  one  of  the  very 
highest.  He  is  a very  bold,  daring,  nervy  business  man,  and 
has  been  engaged  in  many  and  various  enterprises,  some  of 
them,  of  very  large  amount.  He  is  intensely  devoted  to  his 
family,  and  to  those  whom  he  loves.  He  is  of  a very  posi- 
tive and  determined  nature,  and  of  very  abstemious  habits. 


40 


He  never  drank  a glass  of  liquor  in  his  life,  and  never  did  he 
use  tobacco. 

He  is  sixty-three  years  old,  and  was  born  in  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  and  conies  from  a prominent  and  honored  family 
of  that  state.  * * * 

His  condition  last  night,  up  to  a late  hour,  was  unchanged. 
The  physicians  say  that  there  is  a slight  chance  for  his  re- 
cover}^, but  some  of  his  most  intimate  friends,  who  watched 
by  his  bedside  last  night,  fear  the  worst. 


Pantag  raph. 

It  is  with  profound  sorrow  that  the  Pantag rapli  this  morn- 
ing announces  the  death  of  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott.  Bloom- 
ington has  lost  one  of  its  most  honorable,  upright  and 
capable  citizens  and  business  men.  Mr.  Scott  was  endowed 
in  no  ordinary  degree  by  nature  to  take  a prominent  rank 
among  his  fellow-men.  being  ol  great  courage,  of  strong' 
personality,  and  of  vigorous  mind  and  body.  He  brought 
into  his  business  relations  a sound  judgment,  with  great 
boldness,  sagacity  and  energy,  and  succeeded  to  a marked 
degree.  He  was  a man  capable  of  the  largest  transactions, 
and  was  built  for  the  broader  arena  of  life.  He  was  of  a 
most  generous  and  kindly  nature,  a warm  and  steadfast 
friend,  and  achieved  success  without  making  enemies.  Mr. 
Scott  was  widely  esteemed  throughout  central  Illinois,  and 
his  death  will  be  sincerely  mourned  by  hundreds  outside  of 
this  city  and  county.  His  family  is  bereft  of  an  atfectionate 
and  loving  husband  and  father,  and  the  community  has  lost 
a strong  and  useful  man. 


41 


Bulletin. 

The  death  ot  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott  is  regarded  on  all 
sides  in  the  light  of  a public  calamity.  Men  of  such  eminent 
business  qualifications  and  enterprising  spirit  are  so  rare, 
that  when  one  is  cut  down  in  the  zenith  of  activity  and  use- 
fulness it  is  like  the  breaking  of  a link  in  the  commercial 
chain.  And  aside  from  such  considerations,  the  loss  from 
the  community  of  a man  of  pure  life,  kind  heart  and  high 
honor,  must  always  be  a source  of  keen  regret.  Mr.  Scott’s 
name,  so  prominently  identified  with  the  development  of 
Illinois,  will  not  be  forgotten. 


Bulletin , May  21st. 

IN  PEACEFUL  SLEEP. 

Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott  Responds  to  the  Last  Summons. — 
The  End  of  a Noble  Life. — Sketch  of  an  Eventful 
Career. — An  Important  Factor  in  the  Development  of 
Central  Illinois. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott  occurred  at  8 o’clock 
this  morning,  at  the  residence,  corner  ot  Taylor  and  Clayton 
streets.  The  end  was  peaceful  and  painless,  the  spirit  gently 
going  out  while  loved  ones  were  watching  at  the  bedside. 

Four  weeks  ago  Mr.  Scott  was  in  vigorous  health,  and 
giving  active  attention  to  large  business  interests.  He  was 
taken  down  with  grip,  complicated  with  symptoms  of  pneu- 
monia, and  bronchial  troubles.  Last  week  his  condition  be- 
came alarming,  and  a council  of  physicians  was  held.  Sub- 
sequently he  rallied,  and  his  friends  were  encouraged  to 


believe  that  he  was  on  the  road  to  recovery.  Yesterday  he 
seemed  noticeably  stronger,  with  returning  appetite,  and 
ate  a light  breakfast  with  evident  relish.  Soon  after  he  fell 
into  a heavy  sleep,  or  stupor.  Dr.  Taylor,  the  attending 
physician,  summoned  Dr.  Parke  and  Dr.  Hill  in  consultation, 
but  despite  all  that  skill  and  experience  could  suggest,  the 
patient  lapsed  into  a comatose  condition  from  which  he 
never  recovered,  although  at  times  seeming  to  recognize 
those  about  him.  It  was  known  that  death  was  at  hand  and 
relatives  were  summoned  by  telegraph.  His  only  brother, 
Mr.  Isaac  Scott,  of  Bement,  arrived  yesterday  afternoon,  and 
his  brother-in-law,  Hon.  A.  E.  Stevenson,  who  was  in  Ken- 
tucky, reached  home  this  morning. 

Mr.  Scott  was  born  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  24,  1828, 
making  him  6B  years  of  age.  He  came  from  revolutionary 
stock  and  from  one  of  the  most  prominent  families  of  the 
early  Kentucky  aristocracy.  His  father,  Matthew  T.  Scott, 
Sr.,  was  for  many  years  cashier,  and  later,  president  of  the 
Northern  bank  of  Kentucky,  and  was  one  of  the  most  wide- 
ly known  and  influential  financiers  of  the  state. 

The  deceased  was  educated  at  Centre  College,  a noted 
institution  at  Danville,  Ivy.,  and  on  May  12,  1859,  married 
Miss  Julia  Green,  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Lewis  W.  Green, 
president  of  Centre  College,  Ky.  The  union  proved  most 
congenial  and  felicitous,  Mrs.  Scott  being  a woman  of  rare 
intelligence  and  culture,  and  is  overcome  by  grief  at  the  loss 
of  the  companion  of  so  many  years. 

About  forty  years  ago,  Mr.  Scott  came  to  Illinois,  and  it 
may  be  truthfully  said,  that  no  man  gave  more  earnest  effort 


43 


toward  developing  the  young  and  growing  state.  He  located 
first  at  Chenoa,  and  then  lived  for  a time  at  Springfield,  but 
for  a quarter  ot  a century  he  has  made  Bloomington  his 
home,  and  has  been  identified  with  almost  every  public  enter- 
prise looking  to  our  advancement.  It  was  largely  through 
his  instrumentality  that  the  McLean  county  coal  mine  was 
opened,  and  carried  to  a successtul  issue.  He  was  the  presi- 
dent from  the  first,  and  owned  * * * a controlling  in- 

terest at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  also  interested  in  a 
a number  of  enterprises  ot  lesser  moment.  To  Mr.  Scott 
was  largely  due  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  the 
Bulletin  in  its  early  and  trying  years  He  was  interested 
in  the  paper  from  the  start  and  finally  became  the  owner, 
erecting  the  present  building  and  continuing  the  paper  until 
it  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Owen  Scott.  While  operating  the 
Bulletin  he  acquired  the  Odd  Fellows’  Herald ',  of  which  he  was 
still  owner  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a man  of  rare 
judgment  and  foresight  and  unbounded  courage  in  financial 
operations,  and  would  make  a deal  involving  a hundred 
thousand  dollars  with  less  flourish  than  employed  by  the 
average  business  man  in  the  smallest  transaction.  To  em- 
ploy a trite  expression  his  word  was  as  good  as  his  bond. 
Mr.  Peter  Whitmer,  the  banker,  said  to  the  writer  this  morn- 
ing, . “ he  was  generous  and  enterprising  and  the  soul  of 
honor,  and  the  better  one  knew  him  the  greater  the  respect 
and  the  warmer  the  friendship.” 

He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Second  Presbyterian 
church  and  a close  personal  friend  of  the  pastor,  Dr.  Dins- 
more.  He  was  a large  hearted  man,  and  no  worthy  charity 


44 


ever  appealed  to  him  in  vain,  and  many  will  bless  his  mem- 
ory, although  his  deeds  of  kindness  were  without  ostenta- 
tion. In  point  of  fact  he  was  personally  modest  and  retir- 
ing, never  courting  newspaper  publicity  or  taking  a con- 
spicuous place  on  public  occasions,  and  in  politics,  while  a 
life-long  democrat  and  a man  of  strong  convictions,  and  one 
who  carefully  studied  and  intelligently  discussed  current 
issues,  he  was  never  a candidate  for  office. 

Mr.  Scott  will  be  greatly  missed  from  this  community. 
His  high  intelligence,  courteous  bearing  and  rare  business 
enterprise  and  sagacity  made  him  a prominent  figure  with- 
out the  seeking.  * * * 


Leader , May  21st. 

DEMISE  OF  MR,  SCOTT. 

After  a Severe  Illness  He  Expires  This  Morning. — Brief 
Biography  of  His  Long  Life. — Death  of  One  of  the 
Foremost  Citizens  of  Bloom cngton,  Greatly  Esteemed 
BY  ALL,  AND  HONORED  BY  HlS  FRIENDS. — HlS  BUSINESS 

Connections. 

This  morning  at  8 o’clock  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  the 
large  stockholder  in  the  McLean  County  Coal  Company, 
breathed  his  last  at  his  beautiful  home,  at  the  corner  of  East 
Taylor  and  Clayton  streets.  The  scene  at  the  home  was  in- 
deed a pathetic  one,  and  the  news  of  his  death  is  a sad  blow 
to  his  hundreds  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

About  one  month  ago  Mr.  Scott  was  taken  with  a severe 
cold,  and  it  took  such  a violent  hold  upon  him  that  he  was 


45 


confined  to  his  home,  and  later  to  his  bed.  He  became  very 
ill,  but  by  the  heroic  treatment  of  our  best  physicians, 
showed  signs  of  improvement  and  recovery,  and  up  to  yes- 
terday morning  was  steadily  growing  stronger.  Yesterday 
morning  he  partook  of  a good,  hearty  meal,  after  which  he 
laid  down  upon  his  couch  to  take  a short  rest.  He  soon  fell 
to  sleep  from  which  it  was  found  quite  difficult  to  arouse 
him.  His  breathing  grew  strong  and  heavy,  and  although 
physicians  were  immediately  summoned,  he  sank  into  a let h- 
ergic  state,  and  continued  so  the  remainder  of  the  afternoon, 
and  until  within  a few  hours  of  his  death  this  morning. 
Shortly  before  his  death  he  grew  some  brighter,  and  the 
friends  and  relatives  were  again  given  substance  upon  which 
to  base  hopes  for  his  recovery.  The  family  had  gone  to 
breakfast,  when  the  father  and  husband  sank  into  a sleep  of 
rest,  from  which  he  did  not  awaken.  He  breathed  his  last  at 
8 o’clock.  * * * 

During  the  great  immigration  to  the  country  in  1852  Mr. 
Scott  came  to  McLean  county,  and  since  that  time  he  has 
been  identified  with  the  progressive  steps  that  it  has  taken 
since  that  year.  If  there  ever  existed  a true  representative 
of  the  southern  gentleman,  it  was  Mr.  Scott,  for  he  was  a 
gentleman  in  every  respect,  and  his  character  and  good  acts 
are  such  as  will  add  to  the  memory  of  his  name.  He  was 
honest,  outspoken  and  would  allow  nobody  to  be  more  cour- 
teous and  considerate  to  a friend  than  himself.  Owing  to 
his  positive,  determined  nature  he  often  led  the  average  man 
to  believe  that  he  was  gruff  and  haughty,  but  such  was  not 
the  case,  for  there  never  lived  a more  thoughtful,  generous- 


46 


hearted  man  than  he.  It  was  necessary  for  a man  to  thor- 
oughly know  him  to  appreciate  his  good  nature  and  high 

character.  He  was  a genuine  Christian  in  every  respect. 

^ ^ ^ 

His  ancestors  were  distinguished,  and  ft  was  a great 
pleasure  to  him  to  tell  of  them  to  his  friends  in  his  usual 
entertaining  way. 

Thh  funeral  arrangements  are  as  yet  incomplete,  but  it 
is  quite  probable  that  it  will  take  place  Saturday  afternoon 
at  2 o’clock. 


Pantagraph,  May  22d. 

AN  ACTIVE  LIFE  CLOSED. 


Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott,  Our  Well  Known  Citizen,  Passed 
Away  Yesterday  Morning  at  8 O’Clock. — A Sketch 
of  the  Busy  Life  and  Success  of  an  Earnest,  Up- 
right Man. 

The  city  received  a severe  shock  yesterday  morning 
when  the  announcement  went  forth  that  Mr.  Matthew  T. 
Scott  had  breathed  his  last.  Although  his  life  had  been  despair- 
ed of  for  the  last  tew  days,  yet  it  was  anxiously  hoped  that  his 
recovery  would  finally  result,  and  when  his  death  was  learned, 
it  dashed  to  pieces  the  faint  hopes  of  many  anxious  friends. 
It  was  only  four  weeks  ago  that  Mr.  Scott  felt  the  illness- 
coming upon  him  from  which  he  was  never  to  recover. 
He  had  been  in  vigorous  health,  and  considered  the  slight  in- 
disposition from  which  he  suffered  as  a light  cold,  or  at  the 


47 


worst,  & slight  attack  of  the  grip.  This  soon  became  compli- 
cated with  bronchial  affections  and  symptoms  of  pneumonia, 
and  Mr.  Scott  was  seriously  ill  for  a time,  but  when  he 
seemed  to  be  recovering  he  was  taken  with  a relapse,  and  the 
physicians  realized  that  he  was  in  a precarious  condition. 

Soon  after  breakfast  Wednesday  morning  Mr.  Scott  fell 
into  a heavy  sleep,  from  which  he  could  scarcely  be  aroused. 
When  he  was  restored  to  consciousness  he  had  lost  all  power 
of  speech  and  the  physicians  pronounced  his  latest  ailment 
paralysis  ol  the  brain.  He  never  regained  the  power  of 
speaking.  His  life  was  given  up  by  the  physicians.  Some  of 
his  relatives  and  a few  of  his  life-long  friends  were  at  his  bed- 
side, including  the  members  of  his  immediate  family,  and  his 
brother.  For  a day  he  lingered  in  a condition  bordering  close 
to  death,  and  at  8 o’clock  May  21st,  the  end  came.  He  indi- 
cated by  motions  that  he  suffered  no  pain,  and  his  mind 
seemed  clear  to  the  very  last.  He  recognized  those  about 
him,  but  his  tongue  was  sealed.  It  was  a sad  moment  for 
those  about  him,  and  when  the  news  of  his  death  went  abroad 
over  the  city  the  effect  was  noticeable,— an  effect  such  as  is 
produced  only  when  a community  awakens  to  the  fact  that 
one  of  its  busiest,  most  earnest  and  whole-souled  men  has 
been  taken  away.  * * * 

When  Mr.  Scott  was  eighteen  years  of  age  he  went  to 
Ohio,  where  his  father  had  much  land,  which  he  took  charge 
of  and  managed.  In  1852  he  commenced  to  invest  in  Illinois 
lands  and  soon  afterwards  came  here,  locating  where  Chenoa 
now  is,  where  he  had  a good  deal  of  land.  He  was  much 
interested  in  getting  the  Chicago  & Alton  railroad  located 


48 


through  his  land  and  did  much  lor  that  road.  * * * 

Some  three  years  ago  he  became  largely  interested  in 
the  iron  mines  ol  Tennessee,  and  purchased  47, ( 00  acres  of 
iron  lands  in  the  western  part  of  that  state.  Last  summer 
he  sold  this  property  to  a syndicate  of  English  gentlemen 
reserving  for  himself  a one-fifth  interest.  His  whole  manage- 
ment of  this  gigantic  operation  showed  rare  business  capabil- 
ities and  skill.  He  was  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  of  this 
county,  and  was  a businessman  of  great  boldness  and  energy. 

The  people  of  Bloomington  knew  Mr.  Scott  chiefly  as  a 
business  man  of  ability,  but  to  his  near  and  dear  friends  he 
was  a model  of  courageous,  Christian  manhood.  He  was  a 
man  of  strong  and  vigorous  character,  and  his  dislikes  were 
as  pronounced  as  his  likes.  He  was  a thoroughly  honest  and 
upright  man  and  it  was  only  those  who  did  not  know  him, 
who  did  not  like  him.  He  was  intensely  devoted  to  his 
family,  to  his  friends,  and  to  all  whom  he  loved,  and  would 
do  all  that  mortal  man  could  do  to  oblige  a friend.  He  was  an 
intensely  conscientious  man,  and  would  die  rather  than 
knowingly  do  a wrong  thing.  He  never  drank  a glass  of 
liquor  in  his  life,  and  never  even  tasted  it,  although  he  had 
no  conscientious  scruples  against  doing  so,  and  generally 
kept  some  liquor  in  the  house.  He  used  no  tobacco,  but 
kept  cigars  always  on  hand  for  his  friends.  He  never  used 
profane  or  obscene  language  and  objected  to  others  using  it 
in  his  presence. 

He  was  very  determined  and  positive,  and  when  he  had 
once  made  up  his  mind,  he  never  changed  it  except  for 
mighty  reasons.  As  a business  man,  he  was  extremely  bold 


49 


and  sell-reliant,  and  much  preferred  big  transactions  to  small 
ones.  In  fact  he  became  interested  in  transactions  in  pro- 
portion to  their  greatness.  Some  fourbor  five  years  ago  he 
united  with  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  ot  this  city,  since 
which  time  he  has  been  a devoted  member  of  that  com- 
munion. * * * 

The  business  interests  of  Mr.  Scott  are  said  to  be  in  a very 
satisfactory  condition,  as  for  a year  past  he  has  been  actively 
engaged  in  arranging  his  many  business  affairs,  having 
realized  and  spoken  of  t he  uncertainty  of  life  to  a person  of 
his  years.  His  loss  to  this  city  will  be  great,  and  his  place 
will  be  hard  to  fill.  He  will  be  missed  no  less  as  a business 
man,  than  as  a progressive,  earnest  citizen,  who  was  anxious 
tor  the  welfare  of  the  city  and  state.  He  was  an  uncompro- 
mising democrat,  and  always  voted  the  ticket. 

Not  only  has  Mr.  Scott  voted  the  democratic  ticket, but  he 
has  always  been  an  active  member  of  the  democratic  party. 
At  the  time  when  political  affairs  were  not  the  brightest  in 
Central  Illinois,  he,  with  several  others,  organized  the  demo- 
cratic newspaper,  the  Bulletin , and  when  the  others  dropped 
away  from  the  undertaking,  Mr.  Scott  staid  with  it  to  com- 
pletion. Hon.  John  H.  Oberlv  was  secured  as  editor,  and 
Mr.  Scott  spared  neither  effort  nor  mouey  to  make  it  sucess- 
ful.  It  was  he  who  built  the  present  home  of  that  paper. 

Mr.  Scott  carried  no  life  insurance  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  Active  as  he  had  been  ail  through  life,  he  took  an 
active  interest  in  affairs  about  him  even  during  his  heavy 
illness,  and  seemed  always  to  be  conscious  of  his  condition. 
It  is  needless  to  say  that  he  will  be  missed  in  the  city — this 


50 


city  that  he  has  helped  in  so  many  ways.  Realizing  the  bene- 
fits which  he  has  brought  to  them,  the  citizens  of  the  city 
unite  in  their  sorrow  with  the  members  of  his  own  family, 
who  have  undergone  the  deeper  bereavement. 

The  funeral  services  will  be  held  Saturday,  at  3 p.  m., 
from  the  residence,  corner  of  Taylor  and  Clayton  streets. 


The  Eye. 

DEATH  OF  MATTHEW  T.  SCOTT. 


Demise  of  an  Exemplary  Citizen  and  Eminent  Business 

Man. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Matthew  T.  Scott  occurred  last  Thursday 
morning,  at  his  late  home  in  this  city.  The  immediate  cause 
of  his  death  was  la  grippe,  which  toward  the  end,  merged 
into  pneumonia.  The  daily  papers  of  the  city  have  publish- 
ed sketches  of  the  life  of  Mr.  Scott,  and  paid  fitting  and  gen- 
erous tribute  to  his  career  as  an  exemplary  citizen  and 
successful  business  man.  Matthew  T.  Scott  deserved,  and 
his  memory  today,  deserves  all  the  commendable  things  that 
have  been  said  and  written  of  him.  He  was  a man  pecul- 
iarly adapted  by  nature  to  combat  and  surmount  the  obstacles 
of  life.  His  manner  inspired  confidence,  because  he  was 
confident  of  his  own  ability,  and  those  who  followed  his 
counsels  in  business  matters  never  found  cause  to  regret  it. 
He  ventured  upon  large  enterprises,  not  because  he  was  of 
a speculative  nature,  but  because  of  his  far-sightedness  and 
his  ability  to  measure  large  concerns.  These  traits  led  Mr. 


51 


Scott  to  organize,  at  an  early  day,  the  McLean  County  Coal 
Company,  and  it  was  due  to  his  energy  and  business  saga- 
city that  the  plant  became  one  of  the  most  successful  and 
prosperous  in  the  west.  Through  the  attributes  named  he  was 
enabled  to  accumulate,  during  an  active  career  of  less  than 
average  length,  a handsome  fortune,  by  purely  legitimate 
methods.  One  feature  conspicuous  in  his  operations,  not 
particularly  touched  upon,  is  the  great  faith  that  Mr.  Scott 
had  in  the  material  resources  of  the  country,  and  their  pos- 
sibilities in  wealth-yielding.  This  is  testified  by  his  found- 
ing and  promoting  the  coal  mine  here,  and  his  large  invest- 
ments in  mineral  lands  elsewhere. 

For  the  rest,  the  eminent  citizen  whose  body  has  just 
been  borne  to  the  tomb,  had  a character  of  rare  attractive- 
ness. His  personality  was  inviting,  and  from  first  to  last, 
his  natural  geniality  and  equable  temper  continued  un- 
ruffled. He  was  a true  man,  a resourceful  man,  and  a man 
whose  success  did  not  arouse  envy,  because  his  own  upbuild- 
ing meant  the  advancement  of  many  others.  The  death  of 
such  a man  as  Mr.  Scott,  means  a serious  loss  to  the  business 
community  every  where;  it  means  a lamentable  loss  to  the 
city  of  his  residence,  and  an  irreparable  loss  to  his  family 
and  friends. 

Leader. 

ARRANGEMENTS  COMPLETE. 

The  Late  M.  T.  Scott  to  be  Interred  Tomorrow. 

The  funeral  arrangements  for  the  interment  of  the  re- 
mains of  the  late  M.  T.  Scott  are  now  perfected. 


52 


The  services  will  be  held  at  his  late  home,  corner  Taylor 
and  Clayton  streets,  at  3 o’clock  tomorrow  (Saturday)  after- 
noon, and  will  be  conducted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Dinsmore, 
pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church,  of  which  congre- 
gation Mr.  Scott  was  a member,  and  a faithful  worker.  The 
funeral  procession  will  move  north  on  Clayton  street  to 
Grove,  thence  west  on  Grove  to  Main,  and  south  on  Main  to 
the  cemetery,  where  the  remains  will  be  buried  in  the  family 
lot,  in  the  new  portion  of  the  burying  grounds. 

The  death  of  the  husband  and  father  and  friend  is  indeed 
a hard  blow  to  all,  and  in  this  hour  of  family  bereavement, 
it  seems  as  though  the  entire  populace  extends  its  sympathy, 
to  those  from  whose  midst  he  was  stricken,  and  expresses  its 
sorrow  at  the  city’s  loss. 

Telegrams  of  condolence  have  been  received  from  all 
parts  of  the  country  at  the  residence  this  morning,  and  their 
number  shows  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  so  many 
people. 

There  will  be  a large  number  of  relatives  and  friends  in 
the  city  to  attend  the  funeral  tomorrow,  among  whom  will 
be  Rev.  Dr.  Craig  and  family,  of  Chicago,  relatives  of  Mrs. 
Scott. 

The  room  in  which  the  remains  now  rest  is  filled  with 
the  choicest  of  flowers,  and  the  scene  is  a very  impressive 
one.  The  funeral  tomorrow  will  undoubtedly  be  one  of  the 
largest  held  in  this  city  for  many  years. 


53 


Leader. 

CONSIGNED  TO  EARTH. 


The  Remains  of  Matthew  T.  Scott  Laid  to  Rest. — The 
Final  Parting  a Sad  One. — The  Funeral  This  After- 
noon From  the  Late  Residence  of  the  Deceased. — 
Loving  Friends  Bury  the  Casket  Beneath  Flowers. — 
Brief  Ceremonies  by  Dr.  Dinsmore. 

It  was  a large  crowd  of  mourning  friends  that  gathered 
at  the  residence  of  Matthew  T.  Scott  this  afternoon,  to  bid 
the  last  farewell  to  one  whom  they  had  loved  so  dearly.  The 
body  reposed  in  an  elegant  casket  in  the  east  parlor.  The 
floral  tributes  were  many  and  beautiful.  At  the  head  of  the 
coffin  was  a broken  shaft,  the  gift  of  the  McLean  County 
Coal  Company.  “ The  Gates  Ajar,”  was  the  present  of  the 
Stevenson  children. 

On  the  casket  lay  an  anchor  and  a bunch  of  lilies-of-the- 
valley  from  his  adopted  children,  Mrs.  Gardner  and  Miss  Sue 
Winston.  A floral  pillow  inscribed  “Friend  and  Brother” 
was  from  the  Hon.  Adlai  E.  Stevenson  and  wile.  There  was 
also  a wreath  from.  Mr.  Scott’s  friends,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lyman 
Graham,  and  numerous  other  tributes  from  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Owen  Scott,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  0.  Davis,  Mrs.  Hughes,  Mrs. 
Hanna,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phillips,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Campbell,  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  J.  B.  Taylor,  Mr.  and  Mrs  Bowen,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Patterson.  The  most  pathetic  offering  was  a pillow  of  im- 
mortelles, which  reposed  near  the  head  of  the  dead.  On  it 
was  the  single  word,  “ Papa.”  * * * 

The  services  were  simple  and  impressive.  The  Misses 


54 


Eversole  and  Evans,  and  the  Messrs.  Wilson  and  Hamilton 
rendered  the  music  in  a touching  manner.  There  was  no 
funeral  oration.  Dr.  Dinsmore,  the  warm  friend  of  Mr.  Scott, 
made  a few  sympathetic  remarks  on  the  integrity  and  purity 
of  the  dead.  With  hearts  almost  bursting  with  grief,  the 
sorrowing  family  and  friends  followed  the  remains  to  their 
final  resting  place,  and  laid  them  tenderly  away. 

The  honorary  pall-bearers  were,  Judge  John  M.  Scott,  R. 
E.  Williams,  Dr  J.  L.  White,  and  W.  0.  Davis.  The  active 
pall-bearers  were'  Messrs.  H.  M.  Senseney,  R.  F.  Evans, 
Peter  Wbitmer,  James  S.  Ewing,  Owen  Scott,  and  James 
Colter,  of  Chenoa. 


Pantag  raph. 

BORNE  TO  THE  GRAVE. 


The  Funeral  of  the  Late  Matthew  T.  Scott  on  Saturday 
Largely  Attended  by  His  Old  Friends. 

Many  sorrowing  friends  were  present  Saturday  after- 
noon at  the  family  residence,  to  show  their  love  and  regard 
for  the  late  Matthew  T.  Scott.  There  has  probably  been  no 
more  impressive  funeral  fora  long  time  in  this  city,  than  was 
that  of  this  man,  where  so  many  of  the  representative  citizens 
were  present.  Not  only  from  this  city,  but  neighboring 
towns  sent  many  who  had  known  and  honored  him  in  his 
lifetime,  and  at  his  death  took  this  occasion  to  make  a last 
recognition  of  their  friendship.  Mr.  Scott  was  known,  not 
simply  as  a resident  of  Bloomington,  but  as  a progressive 
citizen  of  the  county  and  central  Illinois. 


The  spacious  Scott  residence  at  the  corner  of  Clayton 
and  Taylor  streets  was  crowded  Saturday,  and  many  were 
compelled  to  remain  outside.  The  services  began  promptly 
at  3 o’clock,  and  were  short  but  very  impressive.  A brief 
talk  by  Dr.  Dinsmore,  pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian 
church,  was  a beautiful  tribute  of  one  who  had  known  Mr. 
Scott  for  many  years,  and  had  enjoyed  the  warmest  friend- 
ship with  him.  Mr.  Scott  had  been  a member  of  the  Second 
Presbyterian  church  for  a number  of  years,  coming  for  ad- 
mission into  the  church  in  company  with  his  younger 
daughter.  He  had  always  been  a faithful  and  active  mem- 
ber, and  was  upright  in  all  phases  of  his  life.  The  speaker 
told  of  the  pleasure  there  is  in  thinking  of  a man  who  had 
left  no  painful  memory  behind  him.  Mr.  Scott  left  such  a 
legacy.  In  business  he  was  honest  and  upright,  in  the  house 
he  was  good  and  true,  in  all  things  a thorough,  consistent  gen- 
tleman. Before  Dr.  Dinsmore’s  address  Rev.  Dr.  Craig,  pre- 
sident of  the  McCormick  theological  seminary  of  Chicago, 
offered  a heartfelt  prayer.  The  music  was  given  by  Misses 
Dora  Eversole  and  Hattie  Evans  and  Messrs.  Frank  Hamilton 
and  Elmer  Wilson.  The  services  were  brief,  and  soon  after 
four  o’clock  the  long  procession  was  on  its  way  to  the  grave. 
At  the  cemetery  there  was  a short  prayer  by  Dr.  Craig  and 
the  usual  benediction  by  Dr.  Dinsmore.  The  honorary  pall 
bearers  were  Messrs.  R.  E.  Williams,  Dr.  J.  L.  White  and  W. 
0.  Davis.  The  active  pall  bearers  were  Messrs.  H.  M.  Sense- 
ney,  Peter  Whitmer,  R.  P.  Morgan,  of  Dwight,  J.  Colter,  of 
Chenoa,  and  R.  F.  Evans. 

As  said  before,  there  have  been  few  such  services  in  the 


56 


city  that  have  called  out  so  many  business  men.  Business 
generally  was  laid  aside,  to  do  reverence  to  one  who  had 
been  most  active  in  its  circles.  The  floral  decorations  were 
proluse,  and  elegant.  Among  the  most  conspicuous  were 
“Gates  Ajar,”  presented  by  Mr.  Lewis  G.  Stevenson  and 
sisters,  nephew  and  nieces  of  Mr.  Scott;  a beautiful  piece, 
bearing  the  words,  “Brother  and  Friend,”  by  Hon.  and  Mrs. 
A.  E.  Stevenson;  and  a piece  entitled  “Papa,”  by  the  two 
daughters  of  Mr.  Scott;  a scythe,  from  Mr.  Peter  Whitmer; 
a pillow  of  rosebuds,  by  the  employes  ol  the  McLean  County 
Coal  Company;  an  anchor,  by  Mr.  W.  A.  Gardner,  of  Chicago. 
Wreaths  were  given  by  Mr.  Lyman  Graham,  and  also  by  the 
College  Alumni  Society,  and  bouquets  of  lillies  by  Miss  Grace 
Cheney,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  S.  Swayne,  Mrs.  Eliza  Stevenson, 
and  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Dyson.  Besides  these,  there  were  many 
other  bouquets  and  offerings,  the  tributes  of  sincere  mourn- 
ers to  one  whom  they  regarded  most  tenderly. 

Many  guests  were  present  from  other  cities,  being  rela- 
tives or  close  acquaintances  of  Mr.  Scott.  Mr.  Isaac  Scott, 
the  oldest  and  only  surviving  brother  of  Mr.  Scott,  was  pres- 
ent from  Lexington.  Kentucky.  Among  others  present  were 
Hon.  Patrick  Joyce,  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  G. 
Craig,  Professor  in  the  McCormick  Theological  Seminary,  and 
a cousin  of  Mrs.  Scott;  Hon.  A.  Harwood,  of  Champaign;  Rev. 
R.  C.  Conover,  of  Lexington,  a class-mate  of  Mr.  Scott  at  Cen- 
tre College,  Danville,  Kentucky;  Rev.  S.  H.  Stevenson,  of 
McLean;  Col.  R.  P.  Morgan,  of  Dwight,  and  John  McWilliams, 
of  Odell;  David  McWilliams,  of  Dwight.  Chenoa,  the  town 
founded  by  Mr.  Scott,  and  his  home  for  a number  of  years, 


57 


sent  down  a large  number,  demonstrating  their  kindly  re- 
membrance of  him,  and  their  sorrow  for  his  death.  Among 
those  present  were  Messrs.  E.  D.  Churchill,  Sr.,  Miss  Lily 
Churchill,  James  Colter,  W.  A.  Haynes,  F.  Myers,  J.  E. 
Wightman,  E.  M.  Pike,  George  Harris.  A number  of  the 
tenants  living  upon  Mr.  Scott’s  farms  were  also  present, 
among  these  being  Mr.  John  Stroll  and  Mr.  George  Stroll,  of 
Monticello.  A number  of  the  employes  of  the  McLean 
County  Coal  Company,  of  which  Mr.  Scott  has  been  presi- 
dent for  a number  of  years,  attended  also.  Telegrams  of 
condolence  were  received  from  many  who  were  unable  to 
be  present. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Scott  removes  one  of  our  best  and 
most  active  men.  Every  citizen  of  the  city,  be  he  rich  or 
poor,  is  a loser  thereby.  Upon  Mr.  Scott’s  widow  and  two 
daughters  the  most  poignant  grief  has  fallen,  his  death  be- 
ing peculiarly  sudden  and  distressing.  The  common  sorrow 
of  the  city  also  joins  with  theirs,  and  mourns  that  one  in 
every  way  so  commendable  should  have  been  so  suddenly 
called. 

Bulletin , Mai/  24. 

THE  LAST  EARTHLY  HONORS. 


The  Remains  of  Matthew  T.  Scott  Committed  to  Mother 
Earth — A Notable  Demonstration  of  General  Sor- 
row. 

The  funeral  of  the  late  Matthew  T.  Scott  took  place  Sat- 
urday afternoon  from  the  residence,  and  was  one  of  the  most 
imposing  gatherings  of  the  kind  seen  in  Bloomington  for 


58 


years.  The  deceased  was  not  a member  of  any  of  the  or- 
ders, and  the  attendance  was  made  up  of  old  friends  and  ac- 
quaintances, who  claimed  the  sad  privilege  of  paying  the 
last  token  of  respect.  The  remains  were  exposed  in  the 
forenoon  and  the  familiar  features  were  calm  and  peaceful 
in  the  long  repose.  At  3 p.  in.,  the  hour  of  the  funeral,  the 
neighborhood  was  crowded  with  people  and  vehicles.  The 
house  is  large,  but  only  a comparatively  small  proportion  of 
attendants  could  secure  admission.  The  casket  was  hid- 
den by  fair  flowers.  Music  was  furnished  by  members  ot 
the  choir  from  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Dr. 
Dinsmore,  the  pastor,  made  an  address,  simple  and 
beautiful  in  diction  and  sentiment.  It  was  not  a con- 
ventional oration,  but  the  expression  of  the  thoughts  of 
a man  of  feeling,  upon  the  death  of  a cherished  friend.  The 
remarks  were  brief  and  extemporaneous,  but  came  from  the 
heart,  and  consisted  of  a strong  tribute  to  a noble  life,  but 
just  gone  out.  The  procession  to  the  cemetery  was  an  im- 
posing column,  and  it  was  with  keenest  sorrow  that  the  last 
farewell  was  taken.  The  honorary  pall  bearers  were  Judge 
John  M.  Scott,  R.  E.  Williams,  Colonel  R.  P.  Morgan,  Dr.  J. 
L.  White  and  W.  0.  Davis.  The  active  pall  bearers  were 
Messrs.  H.  M.  Senseney,  R.  F.  Evans,  Peter  Whitmer,  James 
S.  Ewing,  Owen  Scott,  and  James  Colter,  of  Chenoa. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Scott  recalls  many  things  of  interest, 
in  connection  with  the  history  of  commercial  enterprises  in 
Central  Illinois.  In  the  case  of  Bloomington,  probably  no 
one  thing  contributed  more  to  the  growth  of  the  city  than 
the  sinking  and  maintaining  of  a coal  mine  of  adequate 


59 


capacity.  Mr.  Scott  was  the  original  mover  in  the  enter- 
prise, and  it  was  his  capital  and  pluck  that  pulled  it  through. 
Old  citizens  will  remember  that  in  the  early  days,  the  mine 
was  a very  serious  problem.  It  did  not  pay,  and  it  seemed 
that  it  must  be  abandoned,  and  it  would  have  gone  by  the 
board  had  not  Mr.  Scott,  with  his  money  and  his  courage, 
shouldered  the  load,  and  carried  it  to  the  splendid  success 
that  it  is  to-day.  Without  the  coal  mine,  our  manufactur- 
ing industries  would  cut  a small  figure. 

Concerning  Mr.  Scott’s  connection  with  the  founding 
and  development  of  Chenoa,  the  Pantagraph  says: 

The  death  of  Mr.  Matt  T.  Scott  has  cast  a gloom  over 
the  city  of  Chenoa,  as  Mr.  Scott  laid  out  that  city,  naming  it 
after  the  Indian  name  of  Chenowa,  in  1856.  The  town  was 
located  west  of  the  Chicago  & Alton  railroad,  and  business 
houses  and  residences  were  first  built  there.  He  offered  to 
give  the  city  land  for  a park,  and  it  was  laid  out,  but  the 
city  did  not  accept  and  improve  it,  and  it  reverted.  Mr.  W. 
M.  Hamilton  laid  out  East  Chenoa,  and  business  for  a time 
was  divided  between  the  two  sections,  but  now  all  business 
houses  are  on  land  that  formerly  belonged  to  Messrs.  M.  T. 
Scott,  Humphreys  & Pickett.  Mr.  Scott  bought  a large  two- 
story  house  there,  opposite  the  M.  E.  church,  and  resided  in 
it  for  a time.  He  sold  it  to  Green  Miller,  and  moved  to 
Springfield  in  1867  or  1868. 


60 


From  the  third  volume  of  uThe  Scotch-Irish  in  America .” 

IN  MEMORIAM. 


MATTHEW  T.  SCOTT. 

Matthew  T.  Scott,  a member  of  the  Scotch-Irish  Society, 
died  at  his  home,  in  Bloomington,  Illinois,  May  21,  1891.  He 
was  born  in  Lexington,  Kentucky,  February  24,  1828;  was 
the  fourth  son  of  the  late  Matthew  T.  Scott,  Sr.,  for  many 
years  president  of  the  Northern  Bank  of  Kentucky,  and  one 
of  the  most  eminent  financiers  ol  his  day. 

The  Scott  family  was  ol  Scotch-Irish  stock,  and  emigrat- 
ed to  this  country  in  colonial  times,  settling  first  in  New 
Jersey.  They  were  a prolific  race,  and  their  descendants 
became  scattered  in  the  surrounding  states.  It  is  from  a 
Pennsylvania  branch  that  the  subject  of  this  paper  came. 
His  ancestors  and  relatives  of  the  Revolutionary  generation 
showed  the  love  of  liberty  and  manly  spirit  which  is  charac- 
teristic of  the  Scotch-Irish  stock,  by  serving  in  the  contin- 
ental armies  during  the  war  for  indendence.  The  later 
generations  have,  wherever  found,  always  occupied  the  high- 
est social  positions,  and  have  been  distinguished  for  force  of 
character  and  integrity,  and  for  ability  in  the  professions  or 
business  they  followed. 

Mr.  Scott  himself  was  a noble  representative  of  the  vig- 
orous intellect,  the  sterling  moral  qualities,  and  the  manly, 
generous  self-reliant  nature,  which  seems  to  be  hereditary 
in  the  Scotch-Irish  blood  from  which  his  family  sprang. 

He  was  descended  from  Robert  Scott,  an  old  covenanter 
hero,  who  lived  in  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth  century, 


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61 


and  fought  at  the  battle  of  Bothwell  Briggs  for  the  covenant 
and  the  crown.  Robert  Scott  was  a member  of  the  old  Scot- 
tish Parliament,  and  opposed  the  union  of  the  crowns  during 
the  reign  of  Queen  Ann,  because  of  the  ignoring  of  the  Scot- 
tish crown  and  name,  in  the  new  Parliament  of  Great  Brit- 
ain. For  this  offense  he,  with  a number  of  others  of  the  two 
houses  of  the  old  Parliament,  suffered  in  the  tower  of  Lon- 
don with  the  risk  of  their  heads,  until  released  by  an  am- 
nesty of  George  I,  when  he  was  brought  over  from  Hanover 
to  take  the  throne,  in  virtue  of  being  a descendant  of  the 
Stuarts.  Robert  Scott  and  his  friend,  the  Earl  of  Belhaven 
— a member  of  the  upper  house  of  the  old  Parliament — emi- 
grated in  disgust  to  the  north  of  Ireland. 

His  eldest  son,  John,  emigrated  to  this  country  about 
1725,  and  John’s  son,  Matthew,  married  at  Carlisle,  Pa.,  in 
1862  or  1868,  Betsy  Thompson,  daughter  of  William  Thomp- 
son, commissioned  colonel  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  June 
25,  1875,  promoted  brigadier  general,  March  1,  1876. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  at  Centre  Col- 
lege, Kentucky,  graduating  from  that  institution  in  1846. 
He  soon  thereafter  removed  to  Illinois,  and  by  judicious  in- 
vestments, and  prudent  business  management,  laid  the  foun- 
dation for  future  success.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was 
one  of  the  largest  landed  proprietors  in  the  state 

In  his  early  manhood  he  foresaw,  as  did  lew  of  his  cotem- 
poraries, the  great  future  of  Illinois.  He  was  the  proprietor 
of  the  village  of  Chenoa,  in  Central  Illinois,  and  its  present 
prosperity  is  in  a large  measure  due  to  his  foresight  and  lib- 
erality. 


62 


In  the  highest  sense,  Mr.  Scott  was  a man  of  integrity 
— in  the  loftiest  sense  a man  of  personal  honor.  Faithful  to 
every  obligation,  he  was  incapable  of  an  ignoble  act.  He 
was  eminently  a just  man.  Possessing  in  a marked  degree 
the  sturdy  characteristics  of  his  Scotch-lrish  ancestors,  his 
principle  in  action  was: 

“ For  justice  all  place  a temple, 

And  all  season,  summer.” 

Courteous  to  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  he  was 
the  highest  type  of  the  old  school  gentleman. 

Declining  the  nomination  tendered  him  by  his  party  for 
congress,  he  chose  the  quiet  of  home  rather  than  the  turmoil 
ol  political  life.  He  was  profoundly  interested,  however,  in 
public  affairs,  and  in  his  advocacy  of  what  he  believed  the 
right,  “ he  took  consel  ever  of  his  courage,  never  of  his  fears.” 

Mr.  Scott  was  the  founder,  and  for  many  years  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  Bulletin , the  leading  democratic  paper  of  Cen- 
tral Illinois.  He  was  one  of  the  originators,  and  the  principal 
owner  of  the  extensive  coal  mines  of  Bloomington,  to  which 
that  city  is  largely  indebted  for  its  present  posperity. 

Mr.  Scott  was  married  in  May,  1859,  to  Miss  Julia, 
daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  Lewis  W.  Green,  D.  D.,  president  of 
Centre  College,  Kentucky. 

His  was  indeed  a happy  marriage;  his  home  was  ever 
the  abode  of  refinement  and  princely  hospitality.  Many 
who,  in  the  years  gone  by,  have  been  guests  at  his  fireside, 
have  heard  with  sorrow  that  he  is  no  more. 

Mr.  Scott  was  a devoted  member,  and  steadfast  suppor- 
ter of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church,  of  the  city  of  Bloom- 


63 


ington,  and  the  trusted  triend  and  counselor  of  its  pastor, 
Rev.  Dr.  Dinsmore. 

Leaving  a stainless  record,  he  passed  to  his  grave,  fol- 
lowed in  sorrow  by  almost  the  entire  community,  with  whom 
his  lot  had  been  cast.  He  sleeps  in  the  beautiful  cemetery 
near  the  city  he  loved;  his  grave  covered  with  flowers,  by 
those,  to  whom  he  had  in  life,  been  a friend  and  benefactor. 

Courageous  in  life,  for  him  death  had  no  terrors. 

“ Without  a sigh,  a feature  changed,  or  a shaded  smile — 

He  gave  his  hand  to  the  stern  messenger. 

And,  as  a glad  child  seeks  its  father’s  arms, 

Went  home.” 


Manse,  Poynette,  Wisconsin,  [ 

June  9th,  1691.  ) 

During  a series  of  years,  it  was  my  fortune  to  be  thrown 
into  the  most  intimate  association  with  M.  T.  Scott.  As 
memory  recalls  the  unclouded  brotherhood  in  which  we 
walked — the  many  aspects  in  which  his  strong  and  ardent 
spirit  disclosed  itself- — 1 am  impressed  afresh  with  the  robust- 
ness and  vigor  of  his  nature;  with  the  tenderness  and  fidel- 
ity of  his  loving  heart.  By  nature  and  habit  he  was  a man 
of  affairs.  By  nature  and  habit  he  was  a man  of  an  abound- 
ing wealth  ot  affection.  The  yearning  for  love  was  as  con- 
stant a characteristic,  as  was  that  redundant  vitality  of  brain 
which  required  the  stimulus  of  large  business  interests.  No 
burden  ot  care,  and  no  strain  of  fatigue,  were  adequate  to 
weigh  down,  and  repress  the  tides  of  sweet  and  tender  affec- 
tion, which  were  ever  flowing  spontaneously  from  the  full 


64 


and  inexhaustable  spring  within  his  bosom.  No  point  in  his 
character  differentiated  him  in  a more  striking  way  from 
numbers  of  men  whom  I have  known,  than  the  union — sin- 
gular in  degree  and  constancy — of  rugged  strength,  with 
depth  and  sweetness  of  affection.  The  interplay  of  these 
forces  was  continuous — their  fires  always  aglow — their  light 
and  warmth  irradiating  all  his  waking  hours. 

Another  marked  feature,  was  his  utter  hatred  of  all  du- 
plicity. He  hated  a lie  as  an  embodied  deviltry.  He  never 
met  with  illegitimate  pretension  without  an  instinctive  im- 
pulse to  unmask  it — to  pursue  t — -to  stone  it  out  of  existence. 
The  intensity  of  this  feeling  often  gave  to  his  countenance 
the  appearance  of  austerity,  which  might  easily  be  mistaken 
for  unkind  ness — yet  the  world  would  be  a far  safer  place  to 
tive  in,  if  more  of  this  heaven-born  fire,  dwelt  in  the  souls 
of  the  children  of  men. 

As  a business  man,  Mr.  Scott  was  endowed  with  great 
fertility  of  resource.  His  arithmetic  gifts  were  unusual.  As 
evidence  of  his  remarkable  memory,  in  some  directions,  he 
repeatedly  stated,  that  if  the  records  should  be  destroyed, 
he  could  reproduce,  from  his  own  recollection,  the  exact  de- 
scription— section,  township,  range,  and  meridian— of  every 
quarter  section  of  land  of  the  20,000  acres  he  had  located 
tor  himself  and  others,  and  also  the  description  of  the  lands 
contiguous  to  them.  Poets  have  dreamed  more  poems  than 
they  have  written.  He  excogitated  far  more  business 
schemes  than  he  ever  attempted  to  carry  out.  The  play  of 
his  mind  over  business  grounds  which  multitudes  of  men 
approach  with  anxiety,  and  traverse  with  toil  and  difficulty, 


65 


was  like  the  rapid  and  exultant  race  ol  the  collegian  who 
drives  the  football  before  him.  He  pursued  business  with 
the  zest  with  which  the  hunter  trails  the  deer.  His  soul 
was  ever  athirst  for  action.  In  handling  lands  and  mines  he 
found  a thoroughly  congenial  realm  for  the  exercise  of  fac- 
ulties, which  delighted  in  the  solution  of  an  endless  series  ol 
problems  in  profit  and  loss.  What  men  call  “speculation,” 
was  to  him  a prime  part  of  life’s  stimulus — aliment- — ro- 
mance. Speculative  schemes  came  to  him  as  easily  as  wood- 
pigeons  flock  to  their  feeding  grounds,  or  shaded  roosts. 
The  whole  affair  was  one  of  spontaneous,  easy,  natural  move- 
ment of  inborn  faculties.  As  the  bird  sings — as  the  fish 
swims — as  the  pointer  beats  the  prairie  in  quest  of  game — 
with  kindred  ease  and  elasticity,  did  he  sketch  and  work  out 
the  elements  of  a business  plan. 

A man  of  this  build  inevitably  cumbers  himself  more  or 
less.  But  the  endowments  to  which  allusion  has  been  made, 
are  accompanied  with  this  admirable  advantage.  They  for- 
tify the  soul  with  unflagging  serenity,  and  courage  in  busi- 
ness. The  unfaltering  arithmetic  habit  of  Mr.  Scott’s  mind, 
had  familiarized  him  with  such  a great  variety  of  modes,  in 
which  money  may  be  made,  that  he  stood  at  all  times  filled 
with  the  vivid  sense,  that  a loss  here,  may  be  repaired  there. 
My  impression  is,  that  the  “bother”  which  the  majority  of 
mankind  find  in  the  matter  of  “making  a living,”  was  to  him,, 
through  life,  one  of  the  mysteries  of  human  inaptitude. 

My  habitual  impression,  throughout  years  of  most  inti- 
mate daily  intercourse  with  Mr.  Scott  was,  that  his  estimate 
of  the  value  of  money  and  property,  was  wisely  graduated 


66 


— eminently  sober — just — and  moderated  by  manifold  re- 
flections. He  saw  so  many  methods  by  which  values  could 
be  accumulated  or  enhanced — saw  so  many  ways  by  which 
human  life  may  be  embittered  and  ruined  beyond  money  re- 
demption— valued  at  so  high  an  estimate,  those  best  en- 
richments which  millions  cannot  buy — found  such  genuine 
satisfaction  in  helping  others  and  gratifying  his  family — that 
he  was  defended  and  fortified  solidly,  on  many  sides,  against 
contractions  of  spirit,  and  growths  of  avarice.  He  rises  now 
before  my  vision,  in  the  prime  of  his  manhood — as  one  of  the 
most  robust,  vitalized,  brotherly,  and  generous  men,  that  I 
have  known  on  this  earth. 

Mr.  Scott  had  a very  rare  gift  for  the  mastering  of  lan- 
guages. Had  his  whole  time  and  strength  been  given,  from 
earth  youth,  to  that  department,  he  would  have  made  one  of 
our  most  erudite  linguists, — or  he  would  have  made  a superb 
statistician, — or  once  more,- — as  a working  member  of  the 
senate  of  the  United  States,  he  would  on  all  questions  of 
finance  have  risen  to  deserved  eminence. 

My  associations  with  Mr.  Scott  were  some  years  prior  to 
his  union  with  the  church  of  God,  but  not  prior  to  his  pro- 
found reverence  for,  and  interest  in  the  gospel  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  He  was  during  all  these  years,  one  of  the  most 
regular  and  devout  attendants  on  the  ministry  of  the  Word, 
and  most  decided  in  the  avowed  conviction  that  the  whole 
truth  revealed  by  God,  should  be  tenaciously  held  and 
preached.  The  places  of  such  men  can  not  be  easily  filled, 
in  any  community,  from  which  our  gracious  and  Sovereign 
God  may  remove  them. 


67 


GOOD  NIGHT. 


Sleep  on  beloved  and  take  thy  rest, 

Lay  down  thy  head  upon  thy  Saviour’s  breast; 

We  love  thee  well,  but  Jesus  loves  thee  best — 

Good  Night. 

Calm  is  thy  slumber  as  an  infant’s  sleep, 

But  thou  shalt  wake  no  more  to  toil  and  weep; 
Thine  is  a perfect  rest,  serene  and  deep — 

Good  Night. 

Until  the  shadows  from  the  earth  are  cast, 

Until  He  gathers  in  His  sheaves  at  last, 

Until  the  twilight  gleam  be  overpast — 

Good  Night. 

Until  the  Easter  glories  gild  the  skies, 

Until  the  dead  in  Jesus  shall  arise, 

And  He  shall  come,  but  not  in  lowly  guise — 
Good  Night. 

Until  made  beautiful  by  love  divine, 

Thou  in  the  likeness  of  thy  Lord  shall  shine, 

And  He  shall  bring  that  golden  crown  of  thine — 
Good  Night. 

Only  good  night  beloved,  not  “farewell,” 

A little  while,  and  all  His  saints  shall  dwell 
In  hallowed  union  indissoluble — 

Good  Night. 

Until  we  meet  again  before  His  throne, 

Clothed  in  the  spotless  robe  He  gives  His  own, 
Until  we  know,  even  as  we  are  known — 

Good  Night. 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOI 


ADDRESS 


OX 

THK  CHARACTER  AND  SERVICES  OF 


RBV.  LBWIS  WA.RNBR  GRBBN,B>.  B. 


DELIVERED  AT  THE  UNVEILING  OF  A TABLET  TO  HIS  MEMORY 
AS  ONE  OF  THE 

PRESIDENTS  OF  C ENTRE  COLLEGE, 


DAATV/LLH,  KENTUCKY, 

sJune  lO,  1&Q1 , 


BY 

Rbv.  Willis  G.  Craig,  B>.  B. 


PROFESSOR  IN 

M'CORMICK  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY. 


li^Seriptioi)  09  Jablet. 


So  when  a o'oor l man  die's, 

For  years  beyond  our  Icen, 

' The  liu'ht  he  leaves  behind  him,  lies 
Upon  the  paths  of  men." 


If  an  attempt  is  made  to  estimate  with  critical  care  and 
precision,  the  character  and  services  of  a man  who  has 
reached  even  comparative  distinction,  valuable  aid  will  be 
derived  from  a thorough  scrutiny  of  the  special  features  of 
the  region  which  produced  him. 

There  is  formative  power  in  regional  peculiarities,  and 
when  a particular  vicinage  is  marked  by  distinct  and  easily 
recognized  traits,  we  may  well  expect  to  see  a race  of  men 
springing  from  its  midst,  fitted  to  give  expression  to  the 
characteristic  qualities  with  which  it  has  been  natively 
endowed.  The  great  commonwealth,  within  whose  borders 
we  stand  to-day,  is  rich  and  varied  in  distinctive  features. 

Segregated  by  its  mountain  ranges  and  water  courses 
from  neighboring  states,  it  has  been  called  the  Switzerland 
of  America.  With  scenery  of  unsurpassed  beauty — soil  of 
inexhaustible  depth,  and  a climate,  which  the  greatest  trav- 
ellers have  declared  to  be  the  most  delightful  and  health- 
giving  in  America,  it  received  to  its  virgin  bosom  a popula- 
tion well  fitted  to  develope  its  amazing  resources  ; to  found 
noble  institutions,  to  establish  ideal  homes,  and  to  build  up 
and  perpetuate  a society  which  has  won  the  admiration  of 
the  land.  Men  of  family,  of  character,  of  great  ability  and 


4 


liberal  training,  founded  this  state  on  the  corner  stones  of 
liberty,  education  and  religion  ; and  cultivated  men  of  high 
breeding,  wide  education,  solid  character,  and  distinguished 
ability  have  stood  guard  over  its  destinies  from  the  begin- 
ning until  now. 

From  the  depths  of  this  mighty  productivity  has  sprung 
a people  of  broad  mould  and  rare  proportion,  who  illustrate 
well  the  undoubted  principle,  that  a rich,  mellow  soil  must 
produce  a luxuriant  growth. 

You  have  known  from  the  earliest  days  the  jealous 
concern  with  which  the  fathers  guarded  the  reputation  of 
this  honorable  state.  By  many  a ruddy  fireside  have  you 
heard  worthy  sires,  instructing  ingenuous  youth  in  the 
sacred  principles  of  courage  and  cleanness  ; of  personal 
honor,  and  chivalrous  devotion  to  right  ; of  fidelity  to 
country,  religion  and  home  ; of  open  handed  hospitality, 
graced  with  the  utmost  refinements  of  courteous  intercourse; 
and  of  well  poised  ambition  to  reach  honorable  distinc- 
tion in  the  highest  walks  of  human  life  ! 

These  quick  and  potent  counsels  were  swift  to  produce 
their  legitimate  results.  Successive  generations  followed  to 
illustrate  the  principles  they  were  taught  to  profess,  and  to 
adorn  the  goodly  land  to  which  they  owed  their  fortunate 
birth. 

In  the  capacity  of  a great  community  to  reproduce 
after  its  kind  ; to  preserve  its  fairest  forms,  its  noblest 
types  ; to  embellish  them,  even  from  age  to  age,  by  the 


close  processes  of  a regulated  culture,  you  have  a right  to 
take  a pardonable  pride. 

To  those  illustrious  men,  who  have  manifested  the 
peculiar  qualities  of  the  region  in  the  most  marked  and 
emphatic  way,  a debt  of  gratitude  is  due. 

If  dead,  their  memories  should  be  held  in  tender  rever- 
ence ; if  living,  they  should  be  honored.  Whether  living  or 
dead,  their  virtues  should  be  imitated  ; and  their  descend- 
ants should  press  with  accelerated  footsteps  along  the  path- 
way which  they  have  marked  out. 

To  this  exalted  circle  of  great  men,  born  of  this 
favored  soil,  belonged  the  subject  of  my  sketch, 

Lewis  Warner  Green. 

He  descended  from  a long  line  of  worthy  ancestors.  Born 
January  28,  1806,  on  the  plantation  “Waveland,”  near  Dan- 
ville, Kentucky,  he  grew  to  manhood  on  the  paternal  estate. 
His  great  grandfather  was  Col.  Henry  Willis,  the  founder 
of  Fredericksburgh,  Virginia;  his  great  grandmother,  Mildred 
Washington,  sister  of  Augustine  Washington,  aunt  of  Gen. 
George  Washington.  His  grandfather  was  Duff  Green, 
and  his  grandmother,  Anne  Willis,  both  of  Virginia.  His 
father,  Willis  Green,  who  moved  in  early  manhood  to  Ken- 
tucky ; his  mother,  Sarah  Reed.  His  first  wife  was  Miss 
Eliza  J.  Montgomery,  of  Lincoln  county,  Kentucky.  There 
were  no  children  by  this  marriage.  In  April,  1834,  he  was 
again  married,  taking  as  his  life  companion  Mrs.  Mary  Law- 


6 


rence,  daughter  of  Mr.  Thomas  Walker  Fry,  of  Springhouse, 
Kentucky.  His  children  are  Julia,  wife  of  the  late  Matthew 
T.  Scott,  of  Bloomington,  Illinois,  and  Letitia,  wife  of  Hon. 
Adlai  E.  Stevenson,  of  Bloomington,  Illinois. 

In  the  development  of  his  native  qualities,  he  felt  the 
pressure  of  influential  hands,  skilled  to  mould  the  glowing 
materials  of  his  mind  and  heart  into  splendid  forms.  A 
mother  of  singular  beauty,  whether  of  person  or  of  mind, 
with  ministrations  of  utmost  gentleness,  tempered  with  the 
firmness  of  profound  conviction,  first  laid  the  plastic  touch 
upon  his  young  life.  When  she  was  gathered  to  her  rest, 
his  older  brother’s  wife,  another  saintly  soul,  a second 
mother  to  him,  took  up  the  delicate  task  of  training  an 
uncommon  child  for  the  mighty  tasks  of  earth  and  the  still 
grander  labors  of  heaven. 

And  the  fine  response  which  he  returned  to  everything, 
pure,  and  beautiful,  and  noble  ; the  utter  hatred  and  flash- 
ing scorn  with  which  he  struck  and  trampled  upon  the 
coarse,  the  vile,  the  loathsome,  the  treacherous  elements  of 
depraved  human  life,  attest  the  quality  and  power  of  the 
early  influence  which  brooded  over  his  earlier  years. 

Soon  he  came  beneath  the  skillful  guidance  of  one  of 
the  few  real  masters  of  the  day.  A man  also  to  the  manor 
born,  of  powerful  intellect,  distinguished  classical  learn- 
ing, a wonderful  love  of  teaching,  and  a rare  aptitude  for 
its  commanding  duties,  Lewis  Marshall  had  gathered  into 
his  school  a few  lads  from  the  leading  families  of  the  state, 


who  made  a family  circle  around  his  feet.  Among  these 
was  Lewis  Warner  Green.  Here  first,  perchance,  were 
experienced  the  sacred  stirrings  and  serene  pleasures  of 
growing  knowledge.  Beneath  the  wise  stimulation  and 
accurate  direction  of  the  learned  teacher,  the  beauty,  the 
wealth,  and  the  priceless  contents  of  the  classic  tongues 
engaged  and  fascinated  the  budding  intellect  of  the  youth- 
ful scholar,  and  from  that  date  it  seemed  assured  that  he 
would,  if  spared,  reach  distinguished  eminence  in  the 
department  of  linguistic  learning.  The  professors  at  Tran- 
sylvania and  Centre  in  turn  aroused  and  directed  his  inquir- 
ies along  the  path  of  a broad  and  varied  culture.  In  the 
early  years  of  his  vigorous  manhood,  he  crossed  the  sea  in 
pursuit  of  a discipline  still  more  exact  and  extended,  and 
there  in  the  storied  lands  of  the  old  world,  passed  beneath 
the  commanding  influence  of  the  greatest  scholars  of  that 
age. 

One  of  the  chief  boons  which  Providence  may  grant  to 
an  eager,  receptive  young  scholar,  is  to  place  him  in  contact 
with  teachers  who  are  not  only  masters  in  the  technique  of 
their  own  departments,  and  broadly  sympathetic  with  all 
truth  ; but  capable  as  well  of  entering  into  the  possibilities 
of  the  student  mind,  of  perceiving  the  agitations,  and  esti- 
mating aright  the  thrilling  experiences  of  the  ardent  spirit, 
stirred  to  its  very  depths  by  the  touch  of  vivifying  knowl- 
edge. Such  a blessing  was  vouchsafed  this  young  scholar 
at  a time  when  equal  advantages  were  unusual. 


At  Halle  he  listened  to  the  close,  severely  reasoned, 
analytic,  linguistic  processes  of  Gesenius.  At  Berlin  he  fol- 
lowed with  rapt  attention  the  majestic  sentences  of  Neander, 
the  father  of  modern  church  history,  as  he  unfolded  the 
unearthly  history  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  passing  through 
the  nations  ; he  drank  in  from  the  sweet  words  of  the  saintly 
Tholuck  the  very  essence  of  the  Johannean  gospel,  and 
soared  with  Hengstenberg  amid  the  lofty  disclosures  of 
Messianic  prophecy.  Under  the  conduct  of  distinguished 
oriental  scholars,  at  the  famous  university  of  Bonn,  he  gave 
special  attention  to  the  study  of  Hebrew,  Arabic,  Syriac, 
and  Chaldee  ; and  thus  laid  the  foundation  of  wide  erudi- 
tion in  the  department  of  linguistics. 

Through  the  medium  of  these  varied  disciplines,  his 
taste  was  formed,  large  information  gathered,  his  character 
established,  and  the  man  made  ready  for  his  life  work. 

The  brief  time  allotted  to  this  address  will  not  allow 
extended  notice  of  Dr.  Green’s  professional  career.  His 
first  labors  were  wrought  in  this,  his  native  place.  The 
impression  made  by  his  fine  talents  and  his  polished  learn- 
ing soon  brought  him  into  wider  notice  ; and  the  broader 
constituency  of  the  church  at  large  promptly  called  for 
his  services,  in  some  of  the  most  important  centers  of 
Presbyterian  influence.  Cities  like  Pittsburg  and  Baltimore, 
and  a great  state  like  Virginia  in  turn  demanded  his  pres- 
ence; now  in  the  professor’s  chair;  now  in  the  pulpit  ; now 
in  the  president’s  seat. 


The  country  outside  of  his  original  district,  sat  with 
pleasure  beneath  the  charm  of  his  oratory  ; owned  with 
genial  confidence  the  scope  and  depth  of  his  learning,  and 
yielded  with  responsive  emotion  to  the  rare  fascination  of 
his  winning  manners  and  elevated  life. 

In  the  full  prime  of  manhood,  he  returned  to  his  native 
state,  and  soon  to  his  early  home,  and  to  the  presidency  of 
his  Alma  Mater  ; here  to  yield  the  richest  fruits  of  his 
mature  powers,  and  here  to  die,  May  26,  1863,  where  he 
was  born,  secure  in  the  admiration  of  the  entire  community, 
and  the  tender  love  of  a countless  number  of  dear  friends 
throughout  the  entire  church,  who  had  enshrined  him  in 
their  heart  of  hearts. 

In  what  remains  to  be  said,  I may  properly  ask  you,  in 
the  spirit  of  this  occasion,  to  consider  Dr.  Green 

1.  As  a man  of  true  genius. 

I shall  not  attempt,  by  any  subtility  of  discrimination, 
to  define  the  concept  of  genius,  as  it  may  be  distinguished 
from  talent,  or  mental  ability,  or  common  sense,  or  general 
faculty. 

There  is,  however,  among  all  careful  thinkers,  a ready 
admission  of  that  peculiar,  fine,  exquisite  quality,  which  we 
call  genius.  A swift,  intuitive  apprehension  of  the  harmony 
and  potency  of  truth  in  its  essence,  and  in  its  relations — a 
keen  sensitiveness  to  beauty  in  all  its  varied  forms,  and  a 
rare  facility  of  expression,  enter,  at  least  as  elemental  par- 
ticulars, into  the  idea  we  have  of  true  genius.  Impressions 


10 


upon  such  a soul  are  instantaneous,  vivid,  and  lasting. 
Ideas  come  winged  and  flashing  from  afar  ; images  cluster 
within  the  mind,  bright  and  many  tinted,  illustrating  the 
wealthy  thought,  and  impassioned  words  give  utterance  to 
the  living  truth,  which  clamors  for  expression  Such  men 
do  net  need  to  await  the  slow  process  of  painful  reasoning  ; 
they  do  not  need  the  crashing  thunder  of  accomplished 
events  to  awaken  them  to  the  signs  of  the  times,  and  their 
needs  ; they  see  events  coming  from  beyond,  and  seek  to 
guide  them  when  they  come. 

They  see  truth  placarded  in  large  letters  where  ordi- 
nary men  are  dull  of  sight,  or  perhaps,  see  not  at  all. 
“ Luther  had  that  true  genius,  that  made  him  paramount 
among  the  men  of  his  time,  and  left  an  imperishable  influ- 
ence upon  all  following  times.”  Shakespeare  had  this  mar- 
velous gift,  and  before  his  penetrating  gaze  the  labyrinth  of 
human  nature  stood  disclosed.  He  painted  it,  played  with 
it,  made  it  do  his  bidding.  He  walked  with  composure 
amidst  its  deepest  secrets  ; unravelled  its  profoundest  per- 
plexities ; described  its  highest  aspirations  and,  like  a seer 
standing  on  the  hilltops,  prophesied  its  destiny.  Thomas 
F.  Marshall  and  Richard  H.  Menafee  possessed  this  sacred 
fire,  and  out  from  their  impassioned  souls  burst  the  tempest 
of  resistless  eloquence,  which  swept  men  to  conclusion,  and 
to  action,  with  a vigor  and  certainty  unknown  to  the 
resources  of  a cold  and  passionless  logic.  To  this  order  of 
gifted  souls  belonged  the  man  whose  character  I seek  to 
portray. 


The  swift  and  accurate  intuitions;  the  bold,  yet  chaste 
imagination  ; the  varied,  yet  skillful  combination  of  fact  and 
illustrative  fancy  ; the  insight  into  the  human  heart  ; the 
knowledge  of  the  motives  which  sway  men  ; of  the  fears 
that  affright  the  race  ; of  the  dauntless  hopes  which  after 
all  bespeak  our  immortality  ; the  elegant  and  copious  forms 
of  speech,  fitted  to  express  with  equal  readiness  the  boldest 
reasoned  thought,  the  subtle  distinction,  or  the  most  delicate 
fancy  ; these  several  capacities,  which  he  manifested  with 
abundant  fullness,  had  their  rise  within  that  mysterious 
endowment,  which  we  call,  with  admitted  vagueness,  human 
genius. 

It  remains,  in  each  instance,  to  determine  whether  this 
gift  is  of  certain  value.  The  powers  that  pertain  to  such 
men,  unregulated  by  careful  thought  and  moulding  experi- 
ence, may  prove  an  evil  rather  than  a good  ; a curse  rather 
than  a blessing.  If  we  would  be  judicious  in  our  estimate, 
we  must  see  what  use  this  man  made  of  his  peculiar  gifts. 
To  this  end  we  may  consider  him 

2.  As  a man  of  learning. 

The  snare  along  the  path  of  specially  brilliant  men,  is 
an  undue  tendency  to  self-confidence.  They  trust  to  the 
inspiration  of  the  moment ; they  rely  upon  their  intuitions  ; 
they  revel  in  the  luxuriance  of  a versatile  fancy  ; they  expect 
to  find  their  account  on  all  occasions  in  the  marvels  of  a 
never  failing  utterance. 


12 


But  then  there  is  a wealth  of  valuable  information, 
which  is  not  apprehended  by  the  intuitions,  which  is  not 
posited  by  the  ultimate  principles  of  belief,  and  which  the 
most  vivid  imagination  fails  to  picture.  This  information 
must  be  obtained , and  that  by  the  most  earnest  efforts  of 
studious  application. 

When  this  information  has  been  fully  obtained,  digested, 
and  applied  in  any  special  department  of  human  knowledge 
by  a given  man,  he  may  be  called  learned  in  that  branch. 
If  his  inquiry  leads  him  into  additional  departments  with 
equal  care  and  exhaustiveness,  he  is  more  than  a specialist  ; 
he  is  a general  scholar.  If  he  essays  familiar  acquaintance 
with  all  knowledge,  and  succeeds,  he  is  entitled  to  the  dis- 
tinction of  authoritative  erudition.  Dr.  Green  was  a wide 
student  from  the  beginning.  He  reached  eminence  in  the 
branches  which  are  embraced  in  the  profession  which  he 
espoused.  He  was  specially  distinguished  in  the  depart- 
ment of  philology,  standing  in  the  front  rank  of  oriental 
scholars  in  this  country.  Later  in  life  philosophic  studies 
engaged  his  attention,  and  he  made  himself  familiar  with 
the  entire  circuit  of  metaphysical  and  psycological  discus- 
sions. In  the  general  literature  of  the  polite  tongues,  he 
was  familiarly  at  home.  He  had  somewhat  to  say  to  his  fel- 
low men,  because  he  had  found  that  somewhat  by  the  most 
painstaking  inquiry  and  long  continued  study.  All  honor 
to  the  men  of  real  learning,  who  rise  to  instruct  the  world, 
who  lead  us  wisely  because  they  know  the  truth,  and  guard 


13 


us  safely  by  the  wisdom  of  their  opinions  from  the  folly  of 
the  ignorant  pretender,  and  the  hurt  of  the  crafty  deceiver. 

3.  Dr.  Green  must  be  considered  as  a teacher. 

He  loved  young  men,  and  was  deeply  interested  in 
their  mental  and  moral  growth.  He  acquainted  himself 
with  the  special  aptitudes  of  individual  men  ; sought  to 
arouse  their  dormant  powers  ; quickened  their  ambition  for 
rare  and  accurate  scholarship,  and  led  them  skillfully  into 
the  rich  fields  of  useful  knowledge.  He  had  a passion  for 
knowledge  himself.  He  had  experienced  the  joys  of  exten- 
sive acquisition.  He  recognized  the  transforming  power  of 
liberal  culture,  and  his  soul  reveled  in  the  delight  of  ooiidinor 
aroused  youth  into  the  depths  of  profound  inquiry.  It  was 
no  slavish  task  which  he  undertook,  as  from  day  to  day  he 
met  his  classes.  It  was  the  joy  of  a master  sitting  with  his 
disciples  in  the  quiet  seclusion  of  the  lecture  room,  as 
within  a shrine,  made  sacred  by  the  exalted  character  of  the 
services  as  together  they  sought  the  very  essence  of  truth. 

His  varied  and  widely  extended  learning  in  all  the 
branches  of  knowledge  connected  with  his  profession  ; his 
firm  conviction,  after  thorough  examination,  of  all  the  truths 
.which  he  held  and  taught  ; his  generous,  devoted  affection 
for  young  men,  and  his  tact  and  management  in  the  work  of 
•teaching,  secured  for  him  eminent  success  as  an  instructor, 
alike  in  the  theological  seminary,  and  in  the  different  col- 
leges over  which  he  was  called  to  preside.  He  was  set  in 
the  midst  of  ereat  teachers,  and  he  maintained  the  lustre  of 
the  line. 


u 


Into  the  place  left  vacant  here  by  the  death  of  his 
illustrious  predecessor,  he  stepped,  to  take  the  charge  made 
renowned  by  the  splendid  talents  and  exalted  devotion  of 
the  great  men  whom  he  succeeded,  and  when  death  met  him 
in  the  midst  of  his  brilliant  career,  not  one  ray  had  faded 
from  the  shining  reputation  which  had  placed  this  college  in 
the  forefront  of  educational  success. 

4.  But  this  estimate  would  be  imperfect,  if  we  did  not 
consider  him  as  a preacher. 

To  this  great  field  of  labor  he  was  perpetually  drawn, 
as  by  the  force  of  a resistless  magnet.  His  natural  powers, 
the  high  integrity,  spirituality,  and  consistency  of  his  Chris- 
tian character  ; his  insight  into  spiritual  truth  ; the  range  of 
his  professional  acquirements,  and  his  unselfish  love  for  men, 
combined  to  make  him  a great  preacher.  Sinful,  unhappy 
men  were-  his  brothers  ; brothers  in  the  deepest  need.  The 
gospel  which  he  was  commissioned  to  preach,  provided  the 
only  sufficient  supply  for  that  dreadful  need.  And  when  he 
heralded  that  precious  gospel  w.ith  the  glow  of  commanding 
eloquence  to  his  ruined  fellow  creatures,  the  man  in  his  com- 
pleteness might  be  observed. 

He  was  not  always  equal  in  his  public  efforts.  Such 
men  rarely  are.  But  when  he  stood  in  the  midst  of  a large 
audience  of  sympathetic  hearers,  and  had  for  his  theme 
some  lofty  doctrine  of  divine  revelation,  it  may  be  said  with 
out  the  slightest  trace  of  exaggeration,  that  he  belonged  in 
the  front  rank  of  preachers.  Some  of  you  remember  him. 


He  rises  before  me  now,  as  I have  described  him  elsewhere. 
“As  he  spoke,  his  person,  singularly  erect  and  commanding, 
seemed  instinct  with  life  in  its  supremest  emotion;  his  eye, 
soft  and  mellow  in  repose,  kindled,  as  he  summoned  his 
powers  for  some  lofty  effort,  until  it  sparkled  and  shone  and 
burned  like  a flame;  now  lustrous  with  the  light  of  rapt  affec- 
tion; now  gleaming  with  the  glow  of  some  grand  imagination; 
now  piercing  like  an  eagle’s  as  he  rose  to  the  height  of  some 
fiery  denunciation  of  sin  or  untruthfulness. 

“ We  never  saw  such  an  eye.  It  was  the  shining 
through  of  the  fires  that  burned  within.  In  its  keen  and 
vivid  flashes  it  announced  the  coming  thought;  men  sat  en- 
tranced beneath  its  fascinations  and  acknowledged  the  suprem- 
acy of  its  power.  The  intellectual  force  and  vivacity  of  his 
character  sparkled  on  his  face;  his  voice  rose  with  the  de- 
mands of  his  effort;  his  utterance  became  rapid,  his  gestures 
impassioned,  yet  the  very  embodiment  of  grace ; and  his  whole 
mien  assumed  the  commanding  posture  of  an  authorized  am- 
bassador of  the  Most  High.  We  have  rarely  heard  a man, 
either  in  the  pulpit,  on  the  platform,  or  at  the  bar,  who  sur- 
passed him  in  moving  eloquence,  or  who  might  lay  a better 
claim  to  the  rank  of  a master  of  the  human  heart.  By  the 
structure  of  his  mind,  and  the  delicacy  of  his  physical  consti- 
tution, he  was  necessitated,  as  it  were,  to  those  internal 
processes  by  which  the  very  depts  of  his  own  soul  were 
sounded  until  its  fearful  competency  for  suffering  as  well  as 
enjoying  was  fully  realized.  As  a result,  he  could  tread 


those  remote  and  mysterious  paths,  which  take  their  dark 
way  through  the  profounder  consciousness  of  the  soul  with 
a steadiness  and  fearlessness  of  step  rarely  equalled;  and 
many  instances  might  be  recorded  of  happy  relief  afforded 
to  doubt-pressed  and  storm-swept  souls,  by  the  keen  and 
satisfactory  analysis  of  their  troubles  in  his  public  dis- 
courses.” 

“ But  this  hasty  outline  would  be  incomplete  if  mention 
was  not  made  of  his  exceeding  tenderness  when  he  would 
speak  of  the  comfortable  things  of  the  gospel  to  the  children 
of  the  covenant.  His  own  views  of  the  unfathomable  depths 
of  God’s  loving  heart  were  the  most  profound  and  touching 
that  the  writer  has  ever  heard  presented,  and  no  man  was 
more  successful  in  drawing  souls  under  the  very  shadow  of 
his  wing.  How  wonderfully  could  he  speak  of  the  peace  of 
the  gospel.  Beautiful  is  the  sea  after  a storm,  with  the  rays 
of  the  sun  sparkling  upon  its  dancing  waves,  or  the  calm 
mild  beams  of  the  moon  sinking  into  its  impenetrable  depths. 
So  is  the  soul  after  the  storm  of  doubt  and  passion  has 
passed,  settling  to  rest  in  the  peace  of  the  gospel.  So  he 
was  accustomed  to  speak.  It  is  said  that  in  the  last  year  of 
his  life  his  preaching  was  more  and  more  permeated  with 
this  tenderness,  as  the  horrors  of  civil  war  broke  loose  upon 
his  hitherto  happy  people,  causing  them  to  taste  the  bitter- 
ness of  life.  There  never  beat  a tenderer  heart  than  his; 
and  that  thoughtful  tenderness  to-day  brings  tears  to  the 
eyes  of  many  of  his  friends,  who  will  pass  by  the  claims  of 


17 


his  genius,  to  dwell  with  subdued  affection  upon  his  almost 
womanly  tenderness. 

“ One  of  his  most  frequent  epithets  in  speaking  of  Christ 
was,  ‘the  gentle  Saviour’;  and  yet  the  fire  and  passion  of 
his  nature  were  such,  that  the  lightning  would  gleam  from 
his  eye,  and  the  thunder  might  be  heard  in  his  voice.”  Life 
of  Halsey,  pp.  96-7. 

The  services  rendered  by  Dr.  Green  to  the  church  and 
the  world  were  very  great.  He  was  a friendly  and  helpful 
advisor  to  the  individual.  He  influenced  powerfully  large 
bodies  of  seminary  and  college  students.  The  great  congre- 
gations, to  which  he  preached  all  over  the  land,  were  in- 
structed, edified,  and  comforted  by  his  sermons,  and  many 
souls  were  turned  to  Christ  by  his  persuasive  appeals. 

The  cause  of  education  in  this  country,  especially  in  its 
highest  forms,  is  especially  indebted  to  his  intelligent  advo- 
cacy— and  society  at  large  felt  the  impress  of  his  noble  char- 
acter, his  polished  breeding,  and  his  wide  spread  beneficence. 
Many  lessons  profitable  to  us  all  may  be  gathered  from  a 
study  of  Dr.  Green’s  character  and  services. 

His  patience  and  courage  under  the  difficulties  which 
beset  his  youth  were  admirable.  His  determination  to  excel, 
and  that,  by  means  of  faithful  diligence  and  laborous  appli- 
cation, should  arouse  our  young  men  to  like  fidelity  to  their 
increasing  opportunities. 

Dr.  Green  in  his  early  youth  determined  to  make  the 
most  of  himself.  He  sought  the  widest  culture.  He  coveted 


18 


the  best  gifts.  He  feared  not  the  highest  and  most  respon- 
sible places.  Ah,  exclaimed  one:  Was  he  not  ambitious? 
Yes,  I say:  Certainly!  Rightfully  ambitious;  sacredly  am- 
bitious. “ It  belongs  to  the  dignity  of  human  nature  to  aim 
at  and  to  execute  something  great,  and  this  tendency  he 
kept  on  the  upward  movement.’’  But  not  for  himself  did  he 
press  on,  up  the  ascending  way.  He  cared  for  no  triumphs, 
which  did  not  magnify  his  Lord  and  benefit  mankind. 

He  was  the  most  unselfish  of  men;  the  gentlest,  most 
affectionate  of  friends;  the  humblest  of  Christians. 

He  owed  much  to  the  soil  from  which  he  sprung.  He 
repaid  that  much,  and  with  large  interest! 


